2025 Hobie 16 Open North American Championships at Pensacola Yacht Club - Day 1
by Rich McVeigh 29 Sep 17:04 PDT
September 27 - October 3, 2025
2025 Hobie 16 Open North American Championships © Rich McVeigh
69 teams from six countries are competing in the largest Hobie 16 North American championships in ten years. Very strong contingent from Mexico and Central America has swollen the fleet and driven the highly competitive field that includes multiple part North American champions and 2019 world champions Yamil SABA/Andrea SABA (VEN).
Due to the fleet size the event will be sailed in a split fleet format with a qualifying series and final series. Qualifying will take place over the first three days of competition. Following the third day, the fleet will be split into gold and silver for the final two days.
Three races for both fleets were completed on the first day in shifting winds 4-8 knots with just a bit of current thrown in for fun. A fourth race was started but had to be abandoned when the wind died. The usual sea breeze build never quite materialized but the wind certainly did try to shift in that direction. The shifting winds throughout the day and varying pressure challenged even the best to find and stay in the favorable breeze.
After the first day, Jason HESS/Sofia PONCE (GUA) leads followed by Mark MODDERMAN/Grace MODDERMAN (USA) in second and Wally MYERS/Kim ANASTON (USA) in third.
Racing continues through Friday.
Full results available here. Additional photos can be found on Facebook Facebook and at www.hobieclass.com.