O'Pen BIC North Americans breaks new ground in Wisconsin + Video

by Nevin Sayre on 8 Aug 2012 O’Pen BIC North American Championships 2012, Oshkosh, WI. August 4-5

The International Youth Sailing Foundation of Oshkosh and Wind Power Windsurfing rolled out the welcome mat in style for the O’Pen BIC North American 'Un-Regatta' August 4-5, offering great hospitality, energetic adult rigging slaves, and near ideal conditions. A wide range of ability levels from Opti champions to newbie racers were separated into International and Olympic fleets, and challenged by twelve races with unconventional courses, unorthodox starts, and Un-Regatta-style required boat handling moves. The sailors (and parents) loved the variety, fast pace, and relaxed attitude of the Oshkosh 'Un-Regatta'.

Nic Mueller (recently ninth place at the Optimist Worlds) was crowned champion of the Open Age Division, and Harry Melges IV bested the Young Guns (Under 12). Many of the sailors are preparing for the O’Pen BIC World Championships at Miami YC, November 1-3, where 130 competitors are expected.

In the hotly contested freestyle competition, Wisconsin’s own 'Founding Fathers' (Frankie Hearn, Owen Eliasen, and Nathan Van Heuklon) edged out the 'Vanilla-Chocolate Milk Shakes' and 'M&M' from Miami. A combination of mast climbs, hood ornament flips, and triple push-ups off the boom tilted the score cards in the 'Founding Fathers’' favor. New for 2012, the first ever sailing limbo contest was held on O’Pen BICs (see video).

O’Pen BIC 'Un-Regattas' are known for their focus on fun, learning, sportsmanship, and lower emphasis on race scores. There were several worthy candidates for the O’Pen BIC Spirit trophy, but the recipient was Katelyn Kohl from the Appleton Boys and Girls Club whose perserverance and positive attitude was singled out by the panel of judges.

All the sailors left the regatta energized by the experience and looking forward to renewing their friendships at the November World Championships in Miami. This will be the first time the Worlds are in North America, and no pre-qualifications are required for the host country.

Results of 2012 O'Pen BIC Noth Americans here