Ceci Wollmann wins Bermuda Optimist Worlds Team Trials

by Somers Cooper on 24 Apr 2013 14-year-old RHADC sailor Ceci Wollmann clinched the Bermuda Optimist Worlds Team Trials this past weekend during Part 1 of the Bermuda Optimist Dinghy Association [BODA] World’s Trial Series.

Race officer Charles Tatem and his team enjoyed near perfect conditions on Saturday with sunny skies and fair winds ranging from 12 – 14 knots. Sunday was less windy which tested some of the bigger sailors.

Wollmann found herself tied with 34 points at the end of sailing on Sunday with current BODA National Champion, Benn Smith. Wollmann won the tie-break based on fact that she had four first place finishes compared with Smith’s three. Smith led the regatta for most of the series but Wollmann’s consistent sailing over the last two days allowed her to close the gap and ultimately win the event.

The top five sailors qualified to represent Bermuda at the IODA World Championships this summer in Italy. In addition to Wollmannn and Smith, Chase Cooper [37 pts.], Mike Wollmann [49 pts.] and Campbell Patton [53 pts.] rounded out the top five on the 2013 team. The World’s will be sailed in Riva del Garda [Lake Garda], Italy and will be hosted by Fraglia Vela Riva from July 15th – 26th.

This weekend’s eight races also formed Part 1 of the 2013 BODA North American Championships Trials which will determine the sailors who will qualify to sail in the event, which be held here in Bermuda July 3rd – 11th. Cecil Wollmann [20 pts.] currently leads the NA trials followed by Chase Cooper [21 pts.], Mikey Wolmann [28 pts.], Benn Smith [32 pts.] and George Buckley [36 pts.].

Part 2 will be sailed June 8th and 9th.