Even in the shadow of the Olympics, the 49er sailboat class is alive and kicking in North America. Only one week after the Rio Games wrapped up, Newport, Rhode Island played host to the 49er and 49erFX North American Championships. Class vets and newbies congregated at Sail Newport at Fort Adams for a good old fashion “launch-off-the-beach”, “wetsuits-on-roof-racks,” skiff regatta. The feel of the event reflected the class’s early years with plenty of new blood getting hooked on our awesome boat.
The championship opened up with a perfectly sunny and warm 12-14 knots. Classic Newport conditions allowed for five races in planing conditions. Day #2 transitioned into light breezes with a late-filling sea breeze and plenty of current highlighting the races. Regardless, four races were completed. Day #3 was AP’d until the early afternoon, when a light sea breeze took hold. Two final races rounded out the event.
The international pairing of Carlos Robles and Trevor Burd won the championships scoring nothing worse than a 3rd after dropping a Day #1 OCS. Arielle Morgan and Heather Myatt topped the women’s 49erFX fleet.
This year’s 49er North Americans was raced in recognition and memory of Olympian Trevor Moore. (USA)
The fleet congregated for the awards and some shared memories of the regatta’s namesake. One of our generation’s most talented sailors, an Olympian and College-Sailor-of-the-Year, Trevor was a foundation of the 49er class in the USA. He commanded respect throughout the 49er World. We lost Trevor last summer, but it is clear that he is still very much loved and missed. Libby Patton, Trevor’s fiancée, handed out the trophies. John Moore, Trevor’s father, and other members of the Moore and Patton families were all on hand to commemorate the trophy in Trevor’s name and enjoy the support of the 49er fleet.
Trevor left an undeniably positive mark on the 49er, Olympic sailing, and sailing as a whole.
Thank you to host Sail Newport. Special thanks to Trevor Parekh for organizing the event and spearheading the trophy’s dedication.
By Dave Hughes
