After getting a week’s break in California, it was time for my crew Kennedy and I to fly out to Eastern Yacht Club in Marblehead to compete in the Doublehanded US National Youth Championship for the Bemis trophy. This year my intent was to defend my title. However, the forecast was not very promising.
The first practice day was sailed… or should I say drifted in about 0-1 knots of wind. Although the lack of wind limited our practice, it was good to be back in a C420. After the practice we had an opening ceremony. It was spectacular. Eastern YC had great food, and they invited a Vendee Global sailor to speak to us about sailing around the world solo. He told so many fascinating stories.
The next day was the first day of the regatta. The conditions were better than the previous day, but still not great. It was about 3-5 knots, with some substantial windshifts. We managed to get good starts and play the course well. We were able to have the lead after the first day, and I was happy with our performance.
The second day was more of the same, but the wind shifts were even crazier! One race we had a 90 degree shift and we had a tight reach as our downwind. It was wild sailing. However, we were able to stay at the top of the results.
The last day’s forecast did not look sailable. So we had an on-land postponement. After a few hours of waiting, Race Committee decided to abandon the day, and we were Bemis champions.
It was such a great experience, and I am so grateful that I had the opportunity. I am looking forward to potentially competing next year in either the Smythe or Sears. One of the best parts of this trip was that we stayed with Patrick Hogan and his family in Marblehead. My dad coached Patrick back in the day at NHYC. I love how the friendships are handed down through the generations of sailing families. Many thanks to the Hogans for their hospitality, and to the Balboa Yacht Club Maritime Sciences and Seamanship Foundation for its support.