Big Fleets, Big Breeze

As the Sunfish Class now operates under its new moniker ISCA, their 2026 Florida Week drew record numbers down the peninsula to host US Sailing Center Martin County for racing on the Indian River Lagoon in Jensen Beach, FL.

Eighty-nine boats were ready for the International Masters Championship on March 15-17, but high winds cancelled one day and reduced the event from nine to five races.

Apprentice Master Eugene Schmitt (age 40-49) dominated with 6 points, followed by Master Chris Carroll (50-59) in second and Grand Master Hank Saurage (60-69) in third. The top female was Grand Master Mary Ellen Ingham in 14, while Steve Honour was the first Grand Master (70-79) and John Barrere was top Senior Master (80+).

After a lay day, the US National Championship attracted 74 boats for the racing on March 19-21, but wind strength continued to hinder the scheduler. The fleet was sent in on day two when gusts on the course hit 30 knots, but the final day provided respite with winds in the low teens subsiding to single digits in the final four races.

Through it all, three-time ISCA World Champion Jean Paul de Trazegnies (PER) remained consistent, and won on a tiebreaker over Sebastian Medina (PUR). Diego Silvestre (GUA) was third, 5 points back. The top US finisher was Andy Beeckman in 5th, and the first female was Kelly Arrindell (TTO) in 11th.