Sunfish National Championship - The Sands Supremacy
by Thierry S Huguenin on 1 Dec 2010
Chris Sands receives the trophy from Mary Jane Sands and John Lawrence Robert Dunkley
Sunfish National Championship regatta last weekend was won by seventeen year-old Christopher Sands, who narrowly beat his rivals for first place. This is Sands' fourth national title.
Earlier this year Chris Sands won the Sunfish Junior Nationals and also the Laser Junior Nationals. Last weekend he became the Bahamas Laser National Champion at senior level and now he also captures the Sunfish senior title. In July 2010 Sands was accepted to the ISAF Athlete Participation Programme and to be only the fouth sailor to represent Bahamas at the Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championship in Istanbul. Sailing the Laser Radial, Sands finished in 28th position.
In contrast to last weekend's blustery weather conditions in which Sands sailed so well, this weekend not only did he switch to a different class boat, he had to deal with much lighter wind and proved that he can handle any conditions. This dynamic young sailor is becoming a major force to be reckoned with.
Only 15 sailors were competing this year in the championship regatta hosted by the Nassau Yacht Club, but the competition was fierce out on Montagu Bay. Only one point separated Christopher from three times Sunfish World Champion, Donald Martinborough who was placed second. In third place was Jimmie Lowe, who actually tied with Donnie Martinborough but lost out on a count back. It really could not have been any closer.
The top Lady trophy went to Lori Lowe, who won one of the six races sailed and finished in fifth place overall.
The top Junior trophy (under 16 in this class) was won by Garrick Farquharson who sailed consistently to finish ninth overall.
During the Presentation Ceremony held on Sunday at the Nassau Yacht Club, John Lawrence, President of the Bahamas Sailing Association commended Christopher on his achievement. He also paid tribute to the juniors who participated for their tremendous efforts and dedication, not only in this regatta but throughout the year. ' It's great to see how much they [the juniors] have progressed and improved and fantastic to see them competing at senior level' said Lawrence.
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