-
The NA s were hosted at the Gorge again this year. One of the most popular sailing venues for Skiffies it was not a hard decision to make.
Big winds showed up like clock work and another NA championship team was crowned. A team from New Brunswick Canada made the long trip out to the Worlds and NAs before they begin their 49er program this Fall.
With most of the teams fixing whatever was broken in San Fran or getting some well-deserved rest after the Worlds, there was little activity around the Cascade Locks Marine Park in in the days leading up to the NA's. Some teams chose to get some practice in the lighter breeze on Wednesday and Thursday while others worked on their sail-skate or 29er single handed skills... Some even found time to head over to Mount Hood for a morning of skiing.
The 49er fleet got things started off on Friday and their bear-away from the beach towards their starting area turned out to be quite entertaining for those left on shore. By the time the first race got started almost every team had done some swimming. When the 29ers time had come, the Newfies on CAN 709 were untouchable, heading back to shore with all their guns smoking and three straight bullets under their belts. 709 crew Dan Inkpen had this to say: "This place is SAVAGE!" LeBlond-Lirette On Orion trailed in second with Cameron Biehl and Charlie Smythe, representing the Full Plane team, rounding out the top three.
Day two brought a variety of conditions ranging from moderate to strong but always flat water... Gotta love the Gorge! Ladha and Inkpen continued their dominance from the day before during race one; however, the following six races on Saturday saw a number of lead changes and different winners with the Bermuda guys on board Allied World Assurance and Team Blumer-Dixon in Edge Marketing Group closing in on the leaders.
With the wind filling in from the wrong direction on the final day, no one knew what to expect but the breeze stayed on and four great races were had. As all teams hit the shore hard to find pressure, it became a boat speed battle in the flat water. The Biehl and Smythe Full Plane duo managed three bullets and a fourth which put them up in 2nd overall. Team Orion kept it consistent and took the lead which left the Newfies on 709 in 3rd. Crew AndrŽ Lirette was all smiles after the regatta until he had to replace broken trailer bearings but he did have this to offer: "It's great to have our 3 years of hard work finally pay off... Anyone can do it, you just need to commit!"
All in all, everyone who attended agreed that the Gorge is one of the best spots for skiff in North-
America and hopefully the event will be bigger and badder next year.
Cheers
