Jack Redmond (22280) lays down a saucy Roll Tack.
The 2019 US Optimist Team Trials is in the books and it was a landmark success for the sailors from Lauderdale Yacht Club. LYC’s Tommy Sitzman (Annapolis, MD) came in as the favorite, having qualified last year and placed 5th at the 2018 Worlds, and he won 6 of 12 races and finished atop the podium. LYC’s Gil Hackel (Pensacola, FL) finished 3rd and became one of the youngest sailors ever to qualify for Worlds from the USA at age 11. He also won 6 races. LYC’s Jack Redmond (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) won 4 races and finished 4th. Joining these 3 LYC sailors on the Worlds team are Samara Walshe (Edgertown Yacht Club -LISOT) and Thommie Grit (Sarasota YS/CERT) - 2nd and 5th respectively. LYC’s success went far beyond the top 5 as Tyler Lamm Finished 10th, Jake Homberger 14th, Drew Lamm 16th, KJ Hill 18th, and Nico Garcia-Castrillon 21st. At least 11 LYC sailors should receive invitations to the US National Team of 36.
This years Team Trials was contested in Marina Del Rey, California, westward of the Venice Beach Pier on the Pacific Ocean. The conditions were essentially “Groundhog Day” - always the same 7-10kt seabreeze from the South-West. 12 races were sailed, 3 a day like clockwork by PRO Bill Stump. The 193 boats in attendance all had to qualify by placing in well in previous USODA Regattas over the last 11 months, making Team Trials the toughest Opti regatta in the US each year! The fleet was split into 3 equal divisions for 3 days (divisions re-balanced every day) and a Gold fleet of the top 1/3rd for the final day.
Gil Hackel (21447) and Ty Lamm (19458) Lead the fleet downwind in the Pacific Swells
With a lot of top sailors dominating in their divisions through qualifying it made for high drama on the final day of racing, with 8 sailors realistically in contention for Opti Worlds - to be held this summer in Antigua. Jack Redmond made a great opening statement with a 3rd in the 1st race and solidified his position. Tommy and Gil had impressive comeback’s in races where they didn't round in the top of the fleet and Gil had clinched at least 4th place before the start of the final race. He sailed with no pressure to a 3rd, and Sitzmann came all the way back from the 20’s to a regatta clinching 7th. Thommie Grit, Griggs Diemar (CRYC) and Parker Tyson (CRYC) all battled for the final Worlds berth on the last race, with Grit and Griggs fighting for position at the gate, and, after splitting on the last beat, again just before the finish. Diemar and Tyson will likely represent the USA at the European Championships.
Tommy Sitzman (22229) rounds mark 2 in the lead en route to winning Team Trials.
Note the eased outhaul for faster downwind sailing!
With 4 days of on-site practice and expert coaching from Pilo Rocha, Arthur Blodgett and Argie Resano the LYC team was well prepared. Towing each day past seals and sea-lions, racing and competing with friends it was a great experience for the sailors and they responded by putting everything into their races - the team had been focused on training for this event for 8 months and was ready to see the work pay off. 14 of the 19 LYC sailors made the top 1/3rd Gold Fleet, including Graceanna Dixon and Cole Fanchi at their first Team Trials, and Cole even made the national team at age 11! We return to South Florida tired from the long days, a little jet lagged, but super happy and proud at what the sailors in our community achieved against the best national competition.
Top 10 overall at Awards at the California Yacht Club. From Left: Tyler Lamm, Pearse Dowd, Griggs Diemar, (not pictured Samara Walshe), Tommy Sitzamnn, Gil Hackell, (not pictured Jack Redmond), Thommie Grit, Parker Tyson, and Katherine Doble.
Image credits:
Jack Redmond (22280) lays down a saucy Roll Tack.
Gil Hackel (21447) and Ty Lamm (19458) Lead the fleet downwind in the Pacific Swells
Tommy Sitzman (22229) rounds mark 2 in the lead en route to winning Team Trials.
Top 10 overall at Awards at the California Yacht Club.
