Top sailors crowned at 2021 ILCA Nationals and U.S. Singlehanded Championships in Norfolk
by Tyler Colvin and Ellinor Walters 21 Jun 2021 17:39 NZST
2021 ILCA Nationals © Ben Schill Photography
Sailors flocked to Norfolk, Virginia, over the weekend to test their skills against top flite singlehanded sailors from around the world. The Norfolk Yacht and Country Club, Lower Chesapeake Laser Fleet 12, Big Blue Sailing Academy and Old Dominion University set the stage for the 2021 ILCA US National Championship and U.S. Singlehanded Sailing Championships, a US Sailing National Championship.
With 227 competitors on the starting line, athletes were eager to prove themselves against a large and talented fleet.
In the ILCA 7, Robert Hallawell (Jensen Beach, Fla.) triumphed with 36 points, earning the top medal including the U.S. Singlehanded Men's Championship for the George O'Day Trophy, while Benn Smith (Bermuda) was awarded second, followed by Humberto Porrata (North Palm Beach, Fla.) in third.
"It was a really challenging weekend, the heat for one thing, and being able to keep the body going," said Hall The winds were tricky, and the current was a huge challenge. I was trying to stay conservative on the racecourse and stay in the hunt and let other people to make mistakes was what worked for me. I was trying to stay focused the whole time. I tried not to get too down when I lost boats and keep my head in the game."
In the ILCA 6, Chapman Petersen maintained his lead from Day 2 and was crowned ILCA US National Champion, followed by Robby Meek and Benjamin Smith. For the women competing in the U.S. Singlehanded Women's Championship for the Helen Hanley Trophy, it was Hallie Schiffman finishing 5th overall and taking the title. She was followed by Katharine Doble (Pacific Palisades, Calif.) in second, and Lillian Myers (Sarasota, Fla.) in third.
"I think trying to keep consistent scores, it was pretty shifty, I was trying to look for pressure, get a good start and keep my head clear," said Schiffman of her success.
In the ILCA 4, Matheo Capasso earned the top spot on the podium with 48 points. Second place was awarded to Jacob Zils, and third went to Conor Kellett.
Sailors eligible for the U.S. Singlehanded Sailing Championships in the men's ILCA 7 and women's ILCA 6 events must have turned 17 in the calendar year of 2021. All competitors that are U.S. citizens shall be members of US Sailing, and all non-citizen shall either be members of US Sailing or members of their World Sailing recognized MNA. Males in ILCA 7 and females in ILCA 6 that meet the requirements are eligible.
For complete results and standings and more information about the 2021 ILCA US National Championships and the U.S. Singlehanded Sailing Championships, please visit the links below.
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