Local Youth Sailors Head to Miami
Some of Bermuda top youth sailors head to Miami on Boxing Day to compete in the 2010 Orange Bowl International Youth Regatta. This year’s Orange Bowl will combine 665 sailors on 562 boats in 6 classes racing on 4 courses. The “OB” as it is called is one of the most popular youth sailing events in the USA.
Leading the local charge in the 140 boat strong Laser Radial class are 2010 Volvo Youth World Championship veterans Jason Saints, Jordan Saints and James Anfossi. Also attending for the first time in the Laser Radial class is Bermuda Youth Olympian and Byte National Champion, Owen Siese along with Mackenzie Cooper and Sarah Hopkin. The Bermuda Optimist class will be represented by Ellie and Mikey Wollmann.
Pictured below is Jason Saints at last year’s Orange Bowl. Photo courtesy of John Payne:
The sailors, ranging from age 8 to 18, come from 21 countries and 23 states. The regatta, with racing Dec. 27-30, is hosted by Coral Reef Yacht Club and co-hosted by Biscayne Bay Yacht Club, Shake-A-Leg Miami and the US Sailing
Center – Miami.
This regatta has over 36 years of tradition and is one the most competitive regattas in North America. The Optimists (Red, Blue and White age divisions) are the biggest class with 217 sailors followed by 140 Laser Radials and 102 420s boats. The other classes are the beginner Green Fleet Optis, Laser Fullrigs and the Laser 4.7s.
Visit the official website for more information.
