This month I had the oppurtunity to sail two great regattas the Star North American Championships in Harbor Springs and the Melges 24 Nationals in Charleston.  The Star North Americans was first and my first full Star event.  After a windless day one, day two had great breeze.  Three races were sailed in 15 to 22 knots of breeze.  We had one top ten finish 6th in race two.  The other two we were in the teens and in 12th out of 30 boats after day one.  Day two and three were tougher conditions with lighter breeze.  I spent too much time with my head in the boat and just wasnt patient enough.  We finished up the event in the teens which was a little disappointing.  The atmosphere at the event and the sailors really made it a great first experience in the Star Class.  I am excitied about the winter season in Miami and learning how to sail my boat faster.

Next up was the Meges 24 Nationals, this time I was crewing another somewhat new experience for me having crewed in only two other Melges 24 events both with light wind.  I was excited to work hard and trim the chute in some good downwind conditions.  I was also sailing with a new skipper with only 7 regattas in his Melges 24 "Mustang".  We had three days of practice in Moderate breeze and used our time pretty well.  Day one of the racing had the best breeze with a building north breeze that hit 25 knots by the end of the day.  Our boat handling was good and we managed to stay on the right side of the course.  This was my first time in charleston and the tide played a huge factor.  Depending on how strong the current was meant that sometimes a wind shift would pay off or sometimes you just had to sail for current relief.  In the end we finished 18th out of 45 boats slightly disappointing becuase we committed a silly foul in the last race that cost us three places in the over all standings. 

I am planning to sail two events in October, one Skippering my star and again joining Mustang.  Both events are in Annapolis over the course of 10 days.  The Melges 24 North Americans should have a more competitive fleet so it will be tough for our team.  I am not sure who is showing up for the Star event but I am hopeful for a good turn out and more time in the boat.