2.4mR World Championship Para Sailing International Championship Regatta at Davis Island Yacht Club

The 2022 2.4mR World Championship Para Sailing International Championship Regatta concluded after a week when, as Principal Race Officer Eric Robbins put it, "Mother Nature toyed with us."

The racing began in earnest on Tuesday, with four races in increasing breeze as Hurricane Nicole sauntered across the Caribbean. The 40-boat fleet, which includes both able-bodied and para sailors from 10 countries, pulled boats out of the water early on Wednesday morning, as it became clear that conditions were worsening.

Many sailors took down rigs and tied the boats down in their cradles in anticipation of the blustery weather.

No races were held on Wednesday and Thursday. Hurricane Nicole brought sustained winds well into the 30-knot ranges, along with the higher gusts and an agitated sea-state. The 40-boat fleet retook the water early Friday morning.

2.4mR World Championship Para Sailing International Championship Regatta in Florida - photo © Missy Weiner Photography

Light air caused the first start of Race 5 to be abandoned, but a small storm brought breeze up the bay from the south. Race 5 was shortened after that same small storm sparked lightning, sending the fleet back to the harbor.

After a brief on-shore hold, the race committee sent the fleet back out onto Tampa Bay for Race 6, which - after two general recalls under penalty - got way before the 2 pm deadline.

At the finish of Race 6, racers were permitted to discard their worst finish, which the overall and para class winner, Dee Smith of the United States did not need. His throw-out was a third, permitting him to keep five bullets for the win.

"I want to thank New York Architects and Quantum Sails. It's been a great seven years," he said in an emotional speech about his time in the 2.4mR class. "I've sold my boat and this was my last time. It's been wonderful."

Weighing boats before the 2.4mR World Championship Para Sailing International Championship Regatta in Florida - photo © Missy Weiner Photography

Former World Champ Megan Pascoe of the UK, who finished second in both Open and Para Sailing classes said, "It's nice to have the band back together after all this time! After Covid and everything, it's just wonderful to see old friends and make new ones in this class."

Ray Smith of Australia said, "We came with modest expectations and were greeted like long-lost family." In what organizers agree is the highest compliment, Smith concluded, "Davis Island Yacht Club felt like home."

More photos at www.missyweinerphotography.com/Proofs/Events/202211-24mR-Worlds-at-DIYC

The regatta is scheduled to for Finland next year.

2.4mR World Championship Para Sailing International Championship Regatta in Florida - photo © Missy Weiner Photography

Prizes awarded:

Top Female: Megan Pascoe, UK
Master: Dee Smith, USA
Grandmaster: Marko Dahlberg, Finland
Top Rookie: Jeff Linton, USA
Top Youth: Delani Hume-Lawrence, Canada

Tuesday Sailor of the Day: Tony Pocklington, USA, for going above and beyond the call of duty
Friday Sailor of the Day: Tom Ripley, USA, The Landlubber, for being last into the water and last off the dock but getting to the start on time.

Sailors with Disabilities - top 3:

1. Dee Smith, USA
2. Megan Pascoe, UK
3. Antonio Squizzato

One Design - top 3:

1. Marko Dahlberg, Finland
2. Antonio Squizzato, Italy
3. Bruce Millar, Canada

Overall Results:

Inside the cockpit - 2.4mR World Championship Para Sailing International Championship Regatta in Florida - photo © Missy Weiner Photography