US trials underway

From Fort Lauderdale Jan Harley reports on the opening day for the Europe, Finn, 49er, Tornado and Yngling classes

Thankfully the lack of breeze that yesterday left competitors literally sweating through sail measurements and final boat adjustments gave way today to 12-15 knots on Biscayne Bay where the U.S. Olympic Team Trials for 49er, Tornado and Yngling classes have gotten underway.

An hour north, off Ft Lauderdale, sailors in the Europe and Finn classes also enjoyed the local conditions as they completed two races apiece on the opening day of their U.S. Olympic Team Trials.

In the 49er class, Dave Fagen and Ned Goss posted finishes of 3-2-3 to take the lead after three races. Following in second and third are two teams currently tied at nine points each in the 11-boat fleet: Dalton Bergan and Zack Maxam with placings of 7-1-1, and Tim Wadlow and Pete Spaulding with 4-3-2.

Consistent sailing in the Yngling class garnered wins in both races and the series lead for Sally Barkow, Carrie Howe and Debbie Capozzi. Remarkably, the remaining five boats in the fleet each placed the same in both races, with teams skippered by Hannah Swett and Carol Cronin in second and third overall after placing 2-2, and 3-3, respectively.

In the Tornado class, two-time Olympians John Lovell and Charlie Ogletree won their two races, while their long-time rivals Lars Guck and Jonathan Farrar finished second to them in both. Following, tied on points in the 8-boat fleet, are Stan Schreyer and Forbes Durdin with finishes of 4-3, and Robbie Daniel and Enrique Rodriguez with 3-4.

Europe sailor Meg Gaillard ran away with both races in Ft. Lauderdale, while Finn sailor Kevin Hall also won both of his races.

Racing continues through Sunday, 22 February, with a mandatory layday on Wednesday, 18 February, giving the sailors a break in the action. Lauderdale Yacht Club is hosting the trials for the Europe and Finn classes; Key Biscayne Yacht Club is hosting the 49er and Yngling; and Miami Yacht Club is hosting the Tornado.