We just concluded the 2011 Audi Melges 20 US Nationals in Miami. We had three absolute great days of races with over 30 boats on the line. All races were held in planning conditions and all sailors enjoyed to be ripping along at 15 knots +. That's not bad for a 20 ft boat!
We started the regatta strong and never let go of the title. With a 3rd in the 7th race we didnt have to sail the last race of the day. Instead we just watched the start of the last race and enjoyed watching these great sailboats race upwind.
Key to our success this weekend was definitely having an upwind speed edge on everyone else. Speed makes you a tactical genius... It definitely made my life easy as a tactician.
There was also a bit of drama in the prelude of the regatta when some boat's modifications to their keel plate were deemed illegal. The boats were still allowed to sail the regatta but have to now change it back to its original state.
Our team, Michael Kiss, Jamie Kimball and myself, have worked hard on improving our sailing skills and it really paid off at this regatta. We spent the two days before the regatta practicing on accelerations, rounding marks and all the usual maneuvers.
Now its back to Switzerland for a couple of weeks of work, then back to Miami for the Audi Melges 20 Gold Cup in December.
Results can be found here: Results
Chris out
P.S
