2012 US Nationals Day 1

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Andy Bates

I14 PAC RIM Regatta Chair

avbates@att.net

+1 808-630-0224

2012 International 14 US National’s Day One Recap

Kaneohe, H.I. (Oct 15, 2012) – The first day of the International 14 US National Championships was sailed in picture perfect Hawaiian Trade wind conditions on Kaneohe Bay. This year seventeen racers from around the world gathered on Kaneohe Bay to compete and enjoy the Aloha spirit at Kaneohe YC, which is hosting the event. The community corporate sponsors are Horizon Lines and West Marine. These ecology minded businesses are promoting this event along with the Not-for-profit environmental arm of the Sony corporation, the Global Sports Alliance (See ECOFLAG.org). Global Sports Alliance is an ecology focused worldwide organization that promotes clean air and clean water through sporting events (see gsa.com). Horizon Lines and West Marine continue to be the corporate sponsor that supports ecological based community programs that promote education and awareness of the environment.

 The fresh Trade Winds strengthened and provided picture perfect 15-18 kts all day. The first race proved to be a pattern for the rest of the day. Dave Hayter and Trent Neighbour (AUS 672) from Australia won convincingly after rounding the first mark in second place.  Alex Reinsch and Leith Shenstone rounded the first mark in 8^th place and moved up consistently to take a strong second place finish. Unfortunately just after the start of the second race their jib halyard broke and they had to retire from the racing for the rest of the day. Brad Reutenik and Patrick Murray (USA 1161) from San Diego were third and Joe Bersch and Jamie Hanseler were fourth.

Race two saw the same conditions and the same results. Hayter finishing first, Ruetnik second and Goodson third. Bersch had a spectacular capsize while in second place and ended up fifth. 

Race three saw Hayter and Neighbor round first and sail away from the competitors finishing way out in front. Ruetnik and Murray were second, Goodson and Diecks were third, and Gleeson and Buffalo were fourth.

The final race of the day was a longer race for the already weary sailors. Again, Hayter and Neighbor led at the top mark and slowly opened their lead up placing first for the fourth time. Ruetenik and Murray were second, Goodson and Diercks were third and Joe Bersch and Hanseler were fourth. Day two of the nationals will include another Long Distance race. At the end of day one the standings are:

Top 5 Provisional Results:

1       Hayter/Neighbour      4 points

2     Ruetnik/Sorosky       14 points

       3     Goodson/Diercks       15 points

       4     Bersch/Hanseler        20 points

       5     Gleeson/Buffalo         22 points