Belize Sailing Association National Championships
by Sharon Hardwick 2 Nov 2017 21:53 PDT
28-29 October 2017
Optimist winners (l-r) Adyanerie Teck, Peter Joo, Devaughn Morrison in the Belize Sailing Association National Championships © Belize Sea Scouts / J.Balderamos
After delays and a postponements to inclement weather and poor wind conditions, the Belize Sailing Association's (BzSA) National Championships for the Optimist class boats got underway October 28th and 29th at the BTL park in Belize City. Twelve competitors from 3 clubs participated at the end of 2 days of racing and 14 yr. old Peter Joo of Placencia Sailing Club clearly demonstrated that his now the top sailor in the Optimist fleet in Belize.
The first day of sailing hardly had enough wind for race officials to continue with races but after several prior postponements, officials proceeded with 5 knot winds. Joo showed that he had acquired significant techniques in light wind sailing and took 4 of the 6 races by as much as 10 boat lengths. Sailors eventually learned to cope with a steady and strong current running from the north to south that is common knowledge for sailors that sail in the Belize City Habour. However, it may have been over confidence in the 2nd races that led to a lapse in judgement as he missed the 2nd mark in the 2nd race and lost standings coming in at the tail of the fleet. He recovered quickly and gave one other 1st place up one to 15 yr. old Devaughn Morrison of Corozal Bay Sailing Club in race four. Morrison was able to secure 2nd place over all and 13 yr. old Adyanerie Teck of Corozal Bay Sailing Club move up in position to 3rd place.
BzSA also hosted a Laser Class event. Trent Hardwick of the Belize Sea Scouts took 1st in all 4 races; Darwin Velasquez of Corozal Bay Sailing Club () settled for 2nd place and Nigel Rosado also of CBSC took 3rd place. There was a delay with equipment for the CBSC and demonstrating good sportsmanship, Hardwick agreed to wait for CBSC to proceed with races.
BzSA will be announcing the upcoming regatta scheduled for March of next year which is the Baron Bliss Habour Regatta to be held on March 5 and the Buttonwood Bay Regatta to be hosted by the Belize Sea Scouts on March 4.