McCurdy Open @ University of Delaware, 10/11-12- Clint Montague ’09

There were six teams competing. The Princeton team was comprised of Scott Arcenas ’09 and Clint Montague ’09 in the A Fleet and Erica Leavitt ’11 and Emerson Moore ’12 in the B Fleet.

On Saturday morning, there was mild but sailable wind. Partway through the first race of the second rotation, the wind died, and the race was cancelled. Despite some shifty puffs which came in, no more races were attempted on Saturday. The course was a modified windward-leeward which was extremely long, especially considering the low wind. On Sunday, A fleet attempted to begin a race, but again, the wind gave out and no more races were attempted. The regatta ended up not counting due to only getting in one rotation.

In the A Fleet races, we placed 3rd and 4th. At the beginning of the second race, we were fouled by two boats, which ruined our exceptional position at the line, and ended up forcing us to tack and start late.  However, despite this start, we were able to choose the correct side of the course and gain over other boats.

In the B Fleet races, we placed 4th and 4th. The current was stronger than the wind toward the end of the day. In the first B Fleet race, we had a bad start and started in last place but caught a gust of wind by coming in from the right. For most of the race, we were in 2nd place and only lost that lead in the last ten yards when we missed the mark and Army, by coming in from the right, overtook us.

We were hosted by a gracious graduate school alum who had a beautiful house on the water with a double story dock.  She cooked us dinner and breakfast, and was very considerate of our schedule.

Official Results:

McCurdy Open
University of Delaware
Two Rivers Yacht Basin
Chesapeake City, MD
October 11 - 12th


Highlights

Saturday

Light breeze in the morning around 5 knots, races began at 10 am.  2 races
were completed in both divisions before the wind died.  No breeze filled,
and races were postponed until 3 pm. No further races could be completed.

Sunday

Another forecast of less than 5 knots, races were postponed soon after
report time.  It filled to 3 knots around 11:30, and A division went out.
Shortly after it completely died again.  Races were then called for the day
at 1pm.


Due to the lack of wind, and only being able to complete 1 full rotation,
the McCurdy Open can not be considered a complete regatta.

Teams who attended included: Army, Princeton, UPENN, OCC, Maryland.



Katie Cross
UD Sailing Race Captain