The top 3 places in the '2000 505 North American Championships were wrapped up yesterday with one race to go. Mike Martin, who won the '99 505 NA's and World Championships as crew, helmed his boat to victory with Olympic Medalist Steve Bourdow as crew. Mike made history as the only back to back NA's winner, as crew one year and skipper the next. Steve and Mike wrapped up the championship with 2 bullets yesterday.
The conditions were spectacular as the strong 45 boat fleet raced for the 3rd straight day on Monterey Bay. Sailing was 505 nirvana again with 18 to 22 knot winds and large seas, making for spectacular sailing.
Howard Hamlin (reigning 505 World Champion helm and 18' skiff European Champ) crewed by Peter Alarie from Bristol, RI, solidified their second place finish overall with a 3rd and a 4th place finish. Bruce Edwards and David Shelton, both hailing from Santa Cruz, CA., finished with a 4th and 2nd, to secure 3rd place overall.
All competitors once again shared ideas, set up, tactics, and boat handling techniques at the post race "de-brief" complete with the usual daily raffle for all sorts of great gear. The main discussion topic focused on heavy air techniques and rig set ups.
The talent in the 45 boat fleet is one of the strongest compiled in the class' history and is comprised of many past World/North American/and Olympic Sailors. The entries hailed from all over the US, Canada, & England.
The final race of the series starts at 1pm PST today.
The Championships are sponsored by the Santa Cruz Yacht Club, West Marine, Ronstan, & Ullman Sails.