Rural races at Star Western Hemispheres

As the Star Class approaches its 100th anniversary World Championship, a 33-boat fleet gathered for the 2022 Star Western Hemisphere Championship August 24-27 on Lake Sunapee, New Hampshire. A strong close to win the title was Paul Cayard and Brad Nichol (USA).

Located 100 miles from the Worlds venue of Marbleheahd, MA, Lake Sunapee was a world away in terms of conditions. A 1000-feet above sea level, with the course surrounded by vacation cottages, classic fickle conditions delivered a light air test of patience.

After completing just three races in two days, with wind too light on day three, a fourth race was much needed to validate the championship. There was just enough on the final day to complete two races to confirm the event and deliver a discard. In the 5-8 knot winds, Cayard/ Nichol won them both.

“We had a great day, but you need to have luck on your side to win in Sunapee Lake,” noted Cayard. “It’s been a great Western Hemisphere Championship, it was good to race with many people who don’t usually go to World Championships or the Bacardi Cup but were able to come here and race. It is great for the Class, it keeps them motivated!

“We had John Dane and Eric Doyle fighting with us, but again, this is not Garda Lake. It is super shifty and we had the best this time. I am really looking forward to the 100th Anniversary World Championship in a couple of weeks in Marblehead, it’s going to be a great event!”

Eighty-eight teams have entered for the World Championship on September 12-17.

• Western Hemispheres: https://2022whc.starchampionships.org/
• World Championship: https://2022worlds.starchampionships.org/