Thierry S. Huguenin
Nassau Yacht Club hosted a very successful Sunfish World Championship last week. 72 sailors competed in the event. The level of competition was really good although the wind and sea conditions were tough for everyone involved.
It was fantastic to see NYC opening its doors again to fellow sailors from 14 different countries!
2009 Sunfish Worlds, Nassau-Bahamas (Photo Robert Dunkley)
On a personal point of view, managing the races of this regatta was a very interesting experience. With 72 identical boats competing, sighting the starting line was quite challenging. Even the finishing line sometimes was crowded like downtown Nassau on Boxing Day and was not that easy to sight! A small army of 24 volunteers (24 friends!) and 9 boats were out on the water to run, support and judge the races every day and among these volunteers, a few local junior sailors and teenagers stepped in to reinforce the race committee contingent. Great thing to see happening!
Next international regatta I’m working on and that will take place at Nassau Yacht Club in April is the 2010 Star Western Hemisphere Championship. Meanwhile, I’ll be on the jury panel for the 29er & 49er Worlds in Freeport in January and have the firm intention to continue horseback riding with Stefany, my 12-year old daughter!
