2019 O'pen BIC North American 'Un-Regatta' at Mission Bay Yacht Club
by Nevin Sayre 21 Mar 2019 16:47 PDT
2019 O'pen BIC North American “Un-Regatta” © Charles Dasher
A record 86 O'pen BIC sailors hailing from Hawaii to Bermuda to Germany competed at the 2019 O'pen BIC North American "Un-Regatta", hosted by Mission Bay Yacht Club in San Diego. This was quite a showing, considering the O'pen BIC class only started in Southern California three years ago.
The "Un-Regatta" format included both conventional racing and unorthodox courses. Compulsory maneuvers and course obstacles challenged the sailors' boat handling and tactical ability in a fun and entertaining way.
Local sailor, Kelly Holthus, held off Gen Lau from Bermuda in the course racing for a well-deserved victory. This was Kelly's fifth North American "Un-Regatta", and he is well respected as a great sailor and excellent sportsman. Kelly is inspiring to new O'pen BIC sailors as he finished 35thout of 42 at his first O'pen BIC Championship in 2015.
In addition to thirteen races, a spirited freestyle expression session was held on the second day of competition, with 51 O'pen BICs entering. A very close decision by the judges crowned "Squiggles" (aka Samantha Soares of Bermuda) as the 2019 Freestyle Champion. Sammy stole the show by playing to the crowd with creative balance moves and her unique "bottoms up" move on the rail.
Find the full results here
Everyone is looking forward to reunite at the 2020 North Americans in Florida in March.