2010 PWC Bermuda National Champs: Day 1
The 32 competitors in the 2010 PWC Bermuda National and Open Championships saw a variety of conditions Friday, testing their all-around racing skills as well as their patience. A mixture of shifting wind, sun, rain, moderate breeze and flat calm conditions also tested the Race Committee as they attempted and were successful at completing 5 races for the day.
Rising to the top of the Open division after 5 races was 13 year old German female, Gesa Bornrmann (photo below), who was extremely consistent with a 3, 1, 2, 2, 3, giving her a 3 point lead. She was in good company as she was followed closely by two of her German team mates, Mauriel-Natalie Schroder and Marvin Firsch. Locals Sam Stan and Chase Cooper round out the top 5. After completing five races the sailors dropped their worst race and will be allowed to drop another one if ten or more races are achieved.
The regatta will also determine the 2010 National Champion for the Bermudians as well as being the local qualifier for the South American Championships in 2011. Defending National Champion Sam Stan leads the locals with a total of 16 points and he is followed by Chase Cooper with 22 points, Ellie Wollmann with 30 points, Ceci Wollmann with 37 points and Antonio Bailey with 43 points.
Racing continues Saturday and Sunday in the Great Sound with favourable conditions forecast. Live updates from the water can be viewed at Bodanationals.blogspot.com.
Meanwhile starting on Saturday in Hamilton Harbour, 20 younger and less experienced Green Fleet sailors will be competing for the National Green Fleet title in conjunction with a clinic run by legendary Green Fleet coach Tom Coleman from the US. A mixture of racing, fun activities and intro-to-racing lessons will groom the youngsters for future fun and glory in the Optimist dinghy.
The weekend’s racing is generously sponsored by PriceWaterhouseCoopers and Bermuda Container Line.
