Clagett Regatta back with a vengeance
August 29, 2021 – Newport, RI
Fifteen boats entered the 2.4 meter class for the Singlehanded US Para Sailing Championships which concluded today. While we missed our Canadian Colleagues tremendously, we had a great event and crowned Dee Smith the winner after 7 races.
Day one of the event, the fleet was skunked. Everyone had an awesome clam bake dinner while reveling in the excitement of being tied for first.
Day two Newport brought a north easterly breeze with plenty of pressure. The fleet got out and sailed 4 races. The cross current racing between Goat and Rose Islands made for challenging sailing and the shifty wind at the top of the course made for lots of passing opportunities on the entire time. Rudy Trejo and Dee Smith won races on Saturday and the fleet had very mixed scores going into Sunday’s sailing. Saturday the fleet was treated to an amazing barbecue.
Sunday dawned with a light easterly. The fleet completed three races in light winds. This provided many passing lanes as the fleet seemed to sail in packs around the course. Dee Smith and Rudy Trejo continued to sail strong.
At the end of racing Dee Smith was crowned the winner, followed by Rudy Trejo in second and Julio Reguero in third.
The Clagett regatta is an amazing event with excellent support for disabled sailors, excellent coaching for all sailors and excellent race management. Thanking the incredible group of people who worked so hard to make this event possible would take a very long time, but lets hit the highlights. Dave Dellenbaugh, Dave Perry, Betsy Allison and Brian provided 5 days of awesome coaching. Tom Duggan and his team set competitive courses in very tough conditions and kept us going. Finally and most importantly Judy McLennan and her army of volunteers provided hospitality rivaling any event along with great logistical and sailing support.
All in all, the Clagett event was back with a vengeance. Next year we hope our Canadian friends will be able to join us again for even more fun.
The racing moves to Davis Island Yacht Club for a pre-worlds regatta in November. Stay tuned for a Notice of Race.
Text by Shan McAdoo, Photos by Kathy McAdoo Whitehair