Byte CII North American’s and Continental Qualifier for Youth Olympic

by Tom Rosoman on 3 Mar 2014 Today was the final day of racing for the Byte CII North American Championship being held out of the US Sailing Center Martin County. This event is also the continental qualifier for the 2014 Youth Olympic Games to be held this August in Nanjing, China.

28 competitors from 14 countries left the beach in a light southeasterly. Henry Marshall from the United States had secured victory with two races remaining and finished with only 12 points in the 10 race series after discarding two third place finishes. Henry also won the 2013 championship last summer. His focus now turns to the 2014 Youth Olympic Games.

While the USA and Canada boys had qualified their countries at the 2013 Worlds, four additional spots were up for grabs this week. Pablo Bertran from the Cayman Islands finished with a convincing second place with 34 points and qualified his country. The remaining three teams to qualify were Sam Morrell from the British Virgin Islands with 50 points, Paul de Souza from the Bahamas with 51 points and Scott McKenzie from the US Virgin Islands with 54 points.

Ceci Wollmann from Bermuda was the top female with 96 points. Ceci and Celeste Lugtmeijer from the Dominican had qualified their countries at last year’s world which left four spots up for grabs. Florence Allan from the Cayman Islands, Paige Clarke - USVI, Abigail Affoo – TRI and Paula Pelayo- MEX won the remaining four spots.

For full results visit the event website. Additional photos and updates will be posted here.

This event will secure four countries bids for the 2014 Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, China. For additional information visit the event website.