Charleston delivers at O'Pen BIC North American 'Un-Regatta'

by Nevin Sayre on 1 May 2016 The O’Pen BIC North Americans this past weekend has become more than the pinnacle “Un-Regatta” of the season- it has become a family reunion with sailors returning from as far as Hawaii, California, Canada, and all over to share the O’Pen BIC vibe. This year the class enjoyed outstanding Southern hospitality hosted by the beautiful James Island Yacht Club, following Charleston Race Week.

Conditions the first day saw gusts to 20 knots with large shifts and strong currents that proved challenging for some of the newer racers, but show cased the expertise of others, notably the local Charleston hot shots. Day two brought more manageable conditions with remarkable individual improvement, and the entire fleet tightening up race by race. Ideal for the cheering spectators, the outside downwind slalom marks were within four boat lengths of the James Island pier for full wipe out viewing.

A wind softening in the middle of the day Saturday meant a switch to the unique O’Pen BIC Freestyle competition. JP Lattanzi, the “Happy Hawaiian”, wowed the spectators with his skillful tacks around the mast, boom push-ups, and Hawaiian Happy Dance, but it was the tandem team of “Dem Twins”, Ann Sheridan and Grant Matthews, who swayed the judges with their unique interpretations of the “sibling stomp”, “fish casting”, and double dismounts. The wind filled in nicely in the afternoon to allow three more “Un-Regatta” style races with mandatory stand up sailing, 360s, and capsizes during designated legs of the downwind slalom. Saturday night the families were treated to a memorable boat tour of the Charleston Harbor history, followed by a sumptuous traditional Southern barbeque feast. Everyone slept well that night!

With eleven excellent races and a full round of freestyle already completed in the first two days, the race committee opted for a Le Mans beach start to begin Sunday’s racing. The boats were randomly lined up along the shore and the sailors were put in a row across the rigging field. When the cannon sounded, the sailors were released to run 50 yards to their boats one at a time, giving a slight head start to the boats that had a down wind disadvantage. Controlled chaos ensued, O’Pen BIC style.

After 15 races completed, the top sailors were recognized in the Under 13 and O’Pen age groups as well as the freestyle champions. Equal to the accomplishment of the podium sailors was the amazing improvement at the back of the pack, and the excellent sportsmanship throughout the fleet, specially recognizing outstanding acts of sportsmanship by Metz Prause, Walter Blessing, and Lucas Sawin.

Look forward to next year’s O’Pen BIC North Americans which will be a qualifier for lucky sailors who will earn entries to Bermuda for the America’s Cup Endeavour O’Pen BIC regatta, June 15-18, 2017 in conjunction with race one and two of the America’s Cup Finals. Stay tuned for more information.