Ten year old Kiwi has a win in Miami in World O’pen Bic Cup

Sean Herbert of Auckland’s Manly Sailing Club winner of the Under 13 division of the World O’pen Bic Cup competing in the USA Bruce Herbert

World O’pen Bic Cup © Bruce Herbert

The regatta staged at the Miami Yacht Club from November 1st – third, included three age categories with racing for girls and boys.  'Conditions in Miami were moderately light which was to be expected especially after hurricane Sandy.  The second day of racing was probably the most frustrating with event organizers trying to get in races with the light wind and extreme heat,' explains Sean’s Mum Amanda Herbert.

Sean sailed eleven races, never finished outside the top six in the fleet of 43 boats and had four race wins. A total of fourteen countries were represented, Sean the only kiwi in his fleet, but not the only kiwi at the regatta. Sean’s older brother and training partner Liam also competed in Miami in the Under 15 division.

The last race which was a single start, an all in for all divisions (10 - 16 yrs) which was a marathon windward leg with a longer downward leg saw young Sean finish fourth across the line and deliver his fourth first for the regatta.
'This completes a successful year for Sean,' says Amanda, 'after defending his number one position in the Australian Championships.'

Sean started sailing in early 2010 after completing a Learn to Sail course at Manly Sailing Club. 'He did a few lessons in an Optimist and then completed the bulk of his course in an O'pen Bic.  He found the class of boat to be more fun and faster which is every sailors dream.'

Future events Sean will be competing in are the New Zealand O'pen Bic Championships on at Manly Sailing Club January 18 - 20 January 2013 and then off to defend his Australian under 13 title in Perth, Australia during Easter 2013.

For more on the Miami Regatta visit event website www.worldopenbicmiami.com

World O’pen Bic Cup © Bruce Herbert