The three young Vincentian sailors who participated in the O’pen Skiff North American Championship in Augusta, a city in Georgia in the United States, have all placed in the top three in their categories.
Lily Punnett, 10, placed first in Under 12 girl, Kai Marks-Dasent, 13, placed 2nd in the Under 15 and 3rd overall and the team of Kai and Joshua Weinhardt, 12, placed 3rd in the freestyle competition.
Braving diverse weather conditions, from gentle breezes to challenging winds, rain and 11 degrees Celsius air temperatures, these young athletes competed in 12 races over three days.
The shores of Clarks Hill Lake came alive on the weekend of April 19 to 21, as Augusta played host to the O’pen Skiff North American Championship.
Attracting athletes from across the globe, including Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean, the event showcased the talents of 80 young sailors, aged 8 to 18, in an exhilarating display of skill and sportsmanship.
Unlike traditional regattas, the championship featured an exciting blend of racing and freestyle manoeuvres, adding an extra layer of excitement and fun to the event.
Reflecting on their experiences, participants shared sentiments of exhilaration, focus, and a deep sense of community fostered by the sport of sailing.
Marks-Dasent expressed his love for sailing and the amazing bond it creates, highlighting the friendships made on and off the open waters.
Sabrina Marks-Dasent, the Vincy Sailing Team Manager, described the challenges and rewards of the long journey, emphasizing the invaluable learning opportunities and growth experienced by the young sailors amidst varying conditions.
Beyond the thrill of competition, the championship also served as a platform for fostering lifelong friendships and inspiring newcomers to explore the joys of sailing.
Lily, aged 10, shared her enthusiasm for the sport and the energy it brings, encouraging others to join in the adventure and discover the countless possibilities sailing offers.
With memories made and friendships forged, the O’pen Skiff North American Championship in Augusta stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of youth, sportsmanship, and the boundless possibilities of sailing, the sailing club said.
The Vincy Sailing Club raised money to help send the three young sailors to compete.
The club said the sponsored sail to Bequia and the support from the community have been rewarded with the outstanding performance of the sailors.
I was trying to follow it but it was not streamed
Congratulations! A great performance