Sertl defeats Purdy for Women's Match title

by Courtesy ISAF on 6 Oct 2004 In an exciting and dramatic finish, after a postponement due to blustery conditions, Cory SERTL with crew Pease GLASER, Jody SWANSON and Debbie PROBST captured the U.S. Women's Match Racing Championship in Newport, RI.

In a best of five finals Sertl and her team faced an undefeated Melissa PURDY and her crew of Hannah SWETT, Whitney CONNOR, and Joan TOUCHETTE.

In what was the closest sailing of the event, Sertl had to go the full five races to capture the Allegra Knapp Mertz trophy. The U.S. Women's Match Race Championship was hosted by the New York Yacht Club and sponsored by Rolex Watch U.S.A. and Dry Creek Vineyards.

The win also earned Sertl an invitation to the Cicada International Women's Match Racing Championship later this month in Bermuda courtesy of New York Yacht Club and the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club.

Sertl, who was part of Jody Swanson's recent Yngling Olympic campaign, is a two-time Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year, a former Olympian, and a winner of the Rolex International Women's Keelboat Championship.

In Petit Finals, Olympian and the defending champion, Carol Cronin defeated Deborah Willits in two straight matches to secure a third overall in the event.

Event Website: www.ussailing.org/championships/womens/