Team Paradise boats won in both the Sonar and Skud18 classes in the 2008 Rolex Miami Olympic Classes Regatta, which ended with the medal round for Stars, Ynglings and Laser Radials, on Saturday. The Paralympic Classes ended on Friday, on a course located much closer to shore. I'm not sure why the Race Committee would go that far south in the bay, especially since the wind came up sooner, closer to shore. Isn't spectating the reason why they started the medal rounds?
It was a very nice week for sailboat racing on Biscayne Bay. The kind of stuff that we have here during this time of the year. Participants had a little bit of everything, but mostly sun, fun and sea-breeze. I spend most of the time watching the Skud18 and the Sonar races. The 2.4mR started earlier and I was usually either working on boats or taking care of other shores. It has been a hectic couple of weeks for many of us, most of the work days exceeding 14 hours. The effort was well worth the output and as an organization we made great gains, not just by the wins and the media attention, but also in knowledge on how we can improve for next year's event.
Even though I'm very please about the wins, there were many things to be happy and feel good about. Dave and Brenda on the Canadian Skud team finished the regatta in our latest Sud18 after, literary, decintegrading their keel foil in a high speed tow. (read more).
The German Sonar team of Jens Kroker/TobiasSchuetz/Siegmund Mainka, Sailing in the TP Sonar won the regatta with two races to go. Impressive to say the least. What makes me feel especially good is the fact they were able to realize the win sailing in our boat. We strive hard to provide competitive equipment and their win along with the Nick Scandone/Maureen McKinnion-Tucker win in our Skud18, TP1, is very gratifying. Nick and Maureen also won with a day to spare. Coach Mike Pickney worked hard adapting the TP1 for his team and provided winning input on the water. Awesome job, all of you!
The 2.4mR class may not be the "sexiest" of the Paralympic classes, but probably the most competitive. It is also the class that evens the playing field between able and disabled sailors. We had four of our boats racing in the regatta, sailed by teams from Finland, Holland and France. I'm thrilled about the opportunity of getting to know these guys and being able to make a difference for them. Per Bjurstrom, Thierry Schmitter, Barend Kol and Herve Tourneux all enjoyed the week, even though our new boats still needs some tweaking. Getting to know these guys and some of the other competitors is a privilege and a good reason to keep up the hard work.
Great seeing you all and welcome back again.
By Magnus Liljedahl