By Royal BVI Yacht Club

L to R: Ryan Lettsome, Samuel Allen, Kael Chalwell, Nathan Haycraft, Antonio Cisneros, Kyle Roose and front Wil Seddon
Photo: RBVIYC / Taylor Penwell

Seven Team BVI Optimist sailors from the Royal BVI Yacht Club traveled this weekend to compete in the 2017 Crucian Open at the St Croix Yacht Club.  Nathan Haycraft, Samuel Allen and Kael Chalwell all came home with trophies in their respective divisions.

Racing outside the reef at Teague Bay, the two day event saw light winds from 8-10 knots on Saturday, increasing slightly on Sunday to 10-12 knots.

27 sailors competed in the Championship Fleet. Nathan Haycraft picked himself up after a mixed first day to post top three finishes in the last three races and climb to third overall, albeit tied on points with second place finisher Caroline Sibilly from St Thomas. Haycraft also claimed second place in the Blue Fleet (age 11 & 12).

Next up was Kyle Roose in 18th place and steady mid-teen finishes to take 10th in the Red Fleet (age 13 to 15).  Our newest Championship Fleet sailor, Samuel Allen sailed consistently through the weekend with a fantastic sixth place finish in race three to finish third in the White fleet (age 10 and under) and 21st overall.

Ryan Lettsome came in 26th overall after finding himself with an OCS and then a black flag he had to count in the overall score. Starting technique is one of the most crucial elements of race strategy and perfecting the moment of hitting the start line just as the gun goes is one that all sailors work hard to achieve so it’s only natural to get it wrong a few times along the way.

In the Green Fleet, Kael Chalwell faced stiff competition from local St Croix YC sailor, Moorehead and it ultimately came down to the very last race.  Tied on points, the two sailors went head to head for the overall win but Moorehead just clinched it finishing the race second to Chalwell’s third.

Antonio Cisneros, at only his second overseas regatta raced an excellent series with his best result of 4th in race eight and an overall finish position of 8th.  Wil Seddon, the youngest team member finished in 14th.

The St Croix Yacht Club once again put on an excellent weekend of racing and friendship, they even managed to organize on water entertainment from some curious dolphins or maybe they had come along to watch the racing … who knows!

The RBVIYC thanks the Moorings for their support, Chris, Coach Taylor, all the parents who helped with meals, loading and unloading and everyone at St Croix Yacht Club.

Results
Optimist Championship fleet (27)
3. Nathan Haycraft (2nd Blue fleet)
18. Kyle Roose (10 red fleet)
21. Samuel Allen (3rd White fleet)
26. Ryan Lettsome (6th White fleet)

Optimist Green fleet (22)
2. Kael Chalwell
8. Antonio Cisneros
14. Wil Seddon

Click for full results