August, 2013
2013 YNGLING OPEN NORTH AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIP
AUGUST 8-11, 2013
SAKONNET YACHT CLUB
Sakonnet, Rhode Island
The 2013 Yngling North American Championships were superlative in every way. There were big winds and big seas, there were light winds and little seas, and there was great competition in a great locale. But, best of all, fantastic friendships were renewed and new ones formed as teams, young and old assembled in Sakonnet, Rhode Island from throughout the country and as far away as Norway.
The first day’s racing brought winds up to 25 knots, rain and an angry cross sea that saw many experienced Yngling broached and some blood spilled. All provided for an abundance of sea stories under the big top tent set up by regatta organizers, Mary Douglas and Cushing Anderson.
By the second morning all were eager for the more moderate conditions and the fleet was able to complete 2 races before the sea breeze kicked in again. Again, there was enough carnage for more tall tales a great evening of lobster, local beer and music.
Day three dawned with a light northerly breeze and there were no complaints as the wind faded at the end of the final race of the series.
Ellie Field returned to the top of the podium after a decade’s hiatus as “Queen of Yngling North America” with John and Luke Ingalls as crew. Bruce Chafee, sailing with Dustin Hawks and Melody Badgett, found himself in familiar waters finishing 2nd place with a consistent string of 5 2nds. New comer to the Yngling class, Bob Lippincott finished 3rd and claimed the Alpena Cup for the top finishing all youth team sailing with Steve and Pete Pelligrini.
All hit the road with a collection of sea stories. Please share yours (usa-president@yngling.org) for inclusion in our new Shark Bytes column:
