Local Sailors Finish Strong at the U.S. Youth Championship
Long Island Sound has been a powerhouse for I420 sailing for almost a decade now. Most recently, local sailors put on a clinic at the U.S. Youth Championship hosted by Coronado Yacht Club, making up 7 of the top 10 in the I420 fleet. The U.S. Youth Championship is considered by many to be the top national event in junior sailing, boats are accepted based on résumé and compete for a chance to qualify for the US Youth World Team. Wiley Rogers and Jack Parkin, of Texas Corinthian/Riverside yacht clubs won the I420 event with a total of 32 points, with second place coming in with 83 points. Rogers and Parkin will have their names engraved on the Manton D. Scott Memorial Trophy.
The 2nd place I420 boat was crewed by Ashton Borcherding from Belle Haven Yacht Club, and skippered by Kathryn Hall (Annapolis YC). Carmen and Emma Cowle, both from Larchmont Yacht Club, came in 3rd with a total of 90 points.
The top finishing boys and girls both qualify for the US Youth World Team and will represent the U.S. at the 2016 Youth Sailing World Championships in Auckland, New Zealand in December. With results like these out of local sailors we also have high hopes for the U.S. competitors at the 2018 I420 worlds, which will be held in Newport, RI.
Cate Mollerus from Larchmont Yacht Club and her skipper, Louisa Nordstrom finished in 3rd for the 29er fleet, earning them ticket to New Zealand next year as well. Local sailor Will McKeige from American Yacht Club had an impressive top 10 finish in the Laser Radial fleet.
Final report, with results and photos, can be found here
