Mike Popp wins Florida State Optimist Championship

by Lynn Fitzpatrick on 16 Apr 2007 Opti sailors, moms, dads and coaches from throughout the Southeast descended upon Coconut Grove Sailing Club to participate in the Florida State Optimist Championship. Yacht clubs, sailing clubs, community sailing centers, and schools were represented, and one thing was clear following a weekend of heavy air sailing in Miami - Mike Popp of Davis Island Yacht Club is the Florida State Optimist Champion. Mike bested 95 other Opti sailors in the gold fleet to claim the title. After sailing six races with one drop, Mike accumulated only 18 points. Aside from a BFD in the first race, Mike managed to stay among the top five finishers in every race. Pearson Potts launched a formidable challenge by winning both of Sunday’s two heavy air races for the Gold fleet. Jack Swikart also finished up the regatta on a high note with two second place finishes on Sunday.

All of the Opti sailors deserved the dinner that Coconut Grove Sailing Club served up on Saturday night; especially those who sailed the Silver circle. After six races in 12-14 knots, the kids came in for a quick carbo load, shower and sleep. A storm threatened Biscayne Bay all day on Sunday. With gusts up to 28 knots from the Southwest, the race committee sent nearly 150 sailors back to shore after having completed one race on the silver circle and two races on the gold. Miami’s Alex Swerdlow won the silver series with 11 points. Nic Muller and Harrison Hoy followed with 14 and 18 points, respectively.