Audi Melges 20 Miami Winter Series - Arendshorst in charge

by Joy Dunigan on 12 Dec 2010 Only one race was held today at the 2011 Audi Melges 20 Miami Winter Series hosted by the Coconut Grove Sailing Club (CGSC), due to very light air conditions.

John Arendshorst, from Holland Mich. on Blink 20/20 is seated in first place overall. 'Today was interesting. I supposed the toughest thing today was trying to locate the wind, because there was very little of it.' said Arendshorst after racing. 'My team is fabulous. Boat speed was really important. The conditions were very challenging, but a beautiful day nonetheless in Coconut Grove.'

Mary Anne Ward on M&M Racing (one of two lady helms competing this weekend) is in second place and nineteen-year-old Ryan DeVos on Volpe is third.

After a brief postponement, the first race got underway with a bearing of 045 and distance of .75 nm. At the start, Arendshorst, Erik Post on Vaya Con Dios and DeVos fought for pin end position. Arendshorst won the start playing the left side shifts on the upwind beat to round in first. DeVos took second and Ward was third. The first downwind beat severed the fleet in half with the leaders pulling away, slowly but surely increasing their lead. A change of course at the gate signaled that the breeze had shifted once more and a shortened distance was implemented. Ward came from the right, match racing Arendshorst for the lead as they approached the mark. Arendshorst edged out Ward to keep the lead, reaching for the finish downwind as the breeze further diminished to win. Ward was second and DeVos settled for third.

It was quite apparent with the disappearing breeze that getting another race in might be difficult. 'It was a tough day with the breeze. I think we still delivered a fair race though.' said PRO Bruce Golison. 'Tomorrow, if the weather guys are right, it will be completely different. They are calling for 8-10 in the morning and building throughout the day. Our goal is to try for four races.'

Back at the club, the beer, beverages and camaraderie flowed freely. Michael Kiss was formally recognized as the 2010 Audi Melges 20 Sailing Series Champion. CGSC formally welcomed Marc Hollerbach and Kiss as new members of the club. Harry Melges, III was awarded an honorary CGSC membership by the commodore for his continued support and contributions to the sport of sailing.

Racing will commence at 10 a.m. EDT Sunday, December 12.

TOP TEN RESULTS (After 1 Race)

1.) John Arendshorst, Blink 20/20; 1
2.) Mary Anne Ward, M&M Racing; 2
3.) Ryan DeVos, Volpe; 3
4.) Tony Tabb, Elevation Racing; 4
5.) Marc Hollerbach, Fu; 5
6.) Russell Lucas, Shimmer; 6
7.) Tom Ritter, Tramp; 7
8.) Sid Gorham, Funner; 8
9.) Michael Kiss, Bacio; 9
10.) Erwyn Naidoo, Bohica; 10

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