Archive September 22, 2019

September 21, 2019

Sonar 2019 World Championship

Day 3 Recap

For the first two days, once the sea breeze kicked-in the persistent shifts were to the left. Today, after a two-hour shore delay, the 5-7 knot sea breeze filled in around noon and steadily clocked to the right all afternoon. Whereas the play the first two days was to go left, today it was the opposite, and today, effectively changing gears for puffs and lulls plus shifts was critical.

Ultimately, Rochester Yacht Club’s Mike Wilde retained his lead with 15 points after a 1-2-6 daily scoreline. Now that ten races have been sailed, a second throw-out is implemented and Wilde’s two worse scores (both sixth place finishes in the 24-boat fleet) have been eliminated. However, it was Brian Doyle and TK Kenny who won the day with finishes of 6-1-1. The duo sailed conservatively but protected and controlled the right side of the course and, as they demonstrated yesterday, their downwind speed was superior to most if not all.

The third and fourth place teams are still holding their positions with local Eric Voss still in third (3-8-2 today) followed by Nova Scotia’s Andres Josenhans (12-7-8).

Tomorrow’s final day will hold a maximum of two races, and, with the combination of a seven-point lead, local knowledge and proven consistency, Mike Wilde will be tough to beat for the Championship. That said, Doyle and Kenny are the two who could do it.

Scores:  https://yachtscoring.com/event_results_cumulative.cfm?eID=6051

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/2013SonarWorldsRochesterYachtClubNy/

Photos: Tim Wilkes

Friday, September 20, 2019

Mike Wilde Protects His Lead at Sonar World Championship

Rochester Yacht Club, Rochester, NY

The following recaps key accomplishments in the past 10 months:

With half the regatta completed (two days and seven races), Rochester Sailor Mike Wilde has held his lead on the fleet and opened his points advantage with a 6-2-4 performance today giving him a total of 21 points (the six got dropped). Tied for second place with points are Brian Doyle (NH) and local sailor Eric Voss. In fourth, three points out of second, is Andreas Josenhans (NS).

Today’s conditions light and started out of S/W. Left side was hugely favored as it was in Day 1 but a major wind shift and a dying breeze resulted in the racing being abandoned. Apparently the Race Committee had anticipated a lengthy on-the-water postponement and, after a while of drifting Sonars, they, they went around the fleet and distributed bingo cards. Announcing numbers (and winners) via VHF helped the fleet pass the time.

Eventually the wind filled-in enough to get off a race although the wind was only in the 5-6 knots range out of NE quadrant. Continues to back for all three subsequent races. As noted, the left side was dominant and, as Class President and Paralympic Silver Medalist Rick Doerr said, That’ why we call this place ‘Leftchester.’ Mike Wilde sailed great today, winning the left end of the line, and getting to the left first. That paid for him in the first two races. BTW, I’ve started to call Mike ‘Lefty’ for his tactics…and his boat is called GOIN’ LEFT.” 

By the time the third race was sailed, the thermal effect had maxed out so, with the wind now osculating there were opportunities to be realized on the right side of the course.  On the lasts race of the day, Brian Doyle, sailing with TK Kenny, got to the right and controlled that side of the course which, matched by their excellent downwind speed, gave them the win for the race and moved them up into second place.

Racing resumes tomorrow but the forecast is for more light wind. Sunday’s finale, however, is forecast to bring with it more substantial winds.

Results: https://yachtscoring.com/event_results_cumulative.cfm?eID=6051

For Immediate Release

September 19, 2019

The opening day of the 2019 Sonar World Championship hosted by the Rochester (NY) Yacht Club was dominated by local sailor Michael Wilde. Wilde’s scoreline was 2-1-2-1 and there likely would have been another first had a race in which he had a significant lead been abandoned due to a 50+ wind shift. Playing the shifts was key as there was a persistent backing breeze all day.

Wilde’s take on the day was, “Overall, it was a difficult first day, but we enjoyed a solid breeze once it filled in from the left. It was unfortunate we had to abandon one race due to a major wind shift. That was a disappointment to me as I was in the lead, but I feel good about today. For me, today it was a boat speed game combined with getting off the line well in the 24-boat fleet. Once we were out in front, we could sail our own race. My crew told me to ‘drag race off the line.’ It was important to be in the neighborhood of the favored end but it was also critical to have clear air so you could focus on your boat speed.”

After Wilde’s six points, the next trio on the leaderboard are all within three points. Local sailors are in second (Eric Voss – 13 points and Jack Odenbach – 15 points, each having won a race) followed in third by Canadian Hall of Fame Sailor from Lunenburg, NS with 16 points.

Racing resumes tomorrow and continues through Sunday, September 22.

Results: https://yachtscoring.com/event_results_cumulative.cfm?eID=6051