2.4 Meter Winter Series Finale - Can Am 4 and 5 - US Nationals
by Shan McAdoo 5 Apr 2022 20:19 BST
28 March - 2 April 2022
With 25 boats on the line for CanAm 5, winter sailing was back with a vengeance in Port Charlotte.
The US - Canada border reopened and our friends from North of the border showed up in force.
Can Am 4
The Can Am 4, a two day series started with light air, but then built over the two day series. After six races, Dee Smith emerged victorious followed by Bruce Millar and Allen Liebel. in a 22 boat fleet. This series was a perfect warmup for the next three days of sailing.
Can Am 5 (US Nationals)
This event started out with a howling 25 knot breeze. Of the 25 entries 7 sailed the first day. The fleet showed up en-mass for days two and three of this event. There was a strong mix of Canadians, Americans, new fleet members and experienced sailors. In the end Canadian Bruce Millar won Can Am 5, followed by Jeff Linton and Allen Liebel bested the 25 entries.
Jeff Linton was crowned US National champion as the top finishing US boat in the fleet followed by Dee Smith and Tony Pocklington.
Can Am Series
These events rounded out the winter long Can Am Series. While the early part of the series was hampered by a lack of Canadian competitors, there was no lack of rivalry for the the podium. In the end Dee Smith won, followed by Tony Pocklington and Rudy Trejo.
A newcomer's perspective
As always the 2.4 meter class, and the folks in Port Charlotte are always welcoming new sailors. Ric Dexter jumped off his J-105 and into a charter 2.4 meter. Here is what he had to say: "Very competitive and high quality racing. Club, racers and race committee extremely welcoming, friendly and professional. Competitors were extra helpful to newbies, lots of tips and tricks shared making event fun for all. Fleet is well behaved making it very comfortable with tight quarter racing. My second year, big improvement every day for me personally."
Upcoming schedule
The fleet moves north for the Summer. There are no less than 5 great events planned in the US for this summer as well as several in Canada. The upcoming schedule includes:
- Spring Invitational - Tred Avon Yacht Club, Oxford Maryland - April 30, 2022
- Claggett Clinic and Regatta - Sail Newport, Newport, RI - June 21, 2022
- SBYC invite - Sandy Bay Yacht Club, Rockport, MA - July 8, 2022
- US Disabled Nationals Independance Cup - Goldman Sailing, Chicago, IL August 4, 2022