news@sunfishclass.org

ISCA Builder Update: 

• ISCA Update Zim Sailing

ISCA News:

• World Council Meeting December 10th @ Worlds
• Curaçaos Kampioenschap Sunfish 2025

USSCA News:

• USSCA Foundation
• Growing the Sunfish Class - A Community Approach
• Luffing Lassies at Sarasota Sailing Squadron
• Learn to Sail in Spokane, Washington

USSCA Upcoming Events:

• Major Championships
• Regional Schedule 2026

Regatta Results:

• New York Downstate Regional #2 at Menantic YC 
• Mid-Atlantic Regional #3 at Tom's River Yacht Club
• Florida Regional #1 at Florida Yacht Club
• Monk Smith Regatta at BWYC
• Great Pumpkin Regatta at Johnson Slough
• Florida Regional #2 at Clearwater Yacht Club

Regional Fleet News:

• USSCA Fleet #761 Catawba Yacht Club, NC

Save the date: Midwinter Series 2026, US Sailing Center Martin County, FL

• March 14-17 Intl Masters
• March 19-21 US Nationals

Zim Sailing, the only manufacturer of class-legal racing ISCAs, is more than just a presence in Bristol, Rhode Island. Zim Sailing is proud to have a dealer network that spans North America, ensuring that you have access to parts, boats, and sails for your boat whether you are sailing a new Zim ISCA or a legacy boat. Zim dealers are available to help you and your family get on and enjoy the water. Visit the Zim Sailing Dealer Locator to find your local dealer.
 
CLICK HERE to learn more and view the Zim Sailing Dealer Locator. 

Wat  een prachtig  kampioenschap  was dit  toch  weer, meesterlijk geillustreerd door  de sublieme foto's van Ciska de Lijster. Zie daarvoor de wetransfer link hieronder, die is 3 dagen geldig, doe het dus meteen, het is maar 58MB. Dat Hans van der Gulik kampioen werd was niet  verrassend, tevoren was hij tenslotte  één van de grote favorieten. Dat  Sjors Nije er een titanenstrijd van zou  maken was wel verrassend. Laatstgenoemde begon met 3 bullits en dan ben je veelal al uit  het  zicht  verdwenen ondanks nog 6 races te gaan. Maar  dag  2 bracht  een ommekeer. Materiaal pech  sloeg toe en dat maakte precies dat ene puntje uit  aan het  eind van dit  zinderende kampioenschap. Nu  eindigden de heren gelijk waarbij Hans de Tiebreak  won. 

De  drie Bonairianen eindigden zeer  verdienstelijk op 4 , 5 en 6 waarbij Sipke en Kabes de laatste twee races oversloegen om weer  op tijd te kunnen beginnen  aan de terugreis, ja zeker per sunfish......

What a magnificent championship this was once again, masterfully illustrated by the sublime photos taken by Cisca de Lijster. 

That Hans van der Gulik became champion was no surprise; after all, he was one of the big favorites going in. Sjors Nije turned it into a true battle of titans. The latter started off with three bullets, and that usually means you’re already out of reach — even with six races to go.

But day two brought a turnaround. Equipment trouble struck, and that made exactly the one-point difference at the end of this thrilling championship. In the end, the two men finished tied, with Hans taking the tiebreak.

The three Bonairians finished very commendably in 4th, 5th, and 6th place, with Sipke, better nown as "Spike"" is the international Sunfish world,  and Kabes skipping the last two races so they could start their journey home on time — yes indeed, .........by Sunfish!

Thank you to  Cisca de Lijster for all these beautiful photos! 

The USSCAF exists to fulfill its mission and vision to advance sailing education, expand access to ISCA/Sunfish sailing, and support the development of youth, collegiate, and community sailing programs through grants, scholarships, and outreach initiatives.   We intend to invest in programs to support a thriving, inclusive Sunfish sailing community where individuals of all ages and backgrounds can discover, learn, and grow through the lifelong sport of sailing.

The class and its members need a foundation to invest in education and training programs to expand opportunities for sailors to enjoy the ISCA and the camaraderie amongst its members.  As the foundation grows and matures, we intend to support initiatives which enable broader access to sailing programs through investments in boats and equipment.  Additionally, the foundation will support select US members with grants to attend national and international events which strengthen the USSCA brand and image.  

Through these efforts the Foundation intends to realize a stronger, larger and sustaining class organization which expands opportunities to enjoy the ISCA across a more inclusive and expansive sailing environment.

We need your support to help with enabling:

• Seminars online and in person on topics such as strategy and tactics;
• Educational events on the water teaching sailing as a basic skill as well as advanced skills.
• Development of literature that will enhance understanding of the topics above as well as additional topics; and
• Grants for boats, equipment and travel.

As a 501(c )(3), the USSCAF qualifies your donations for tax-deductible donations to the extent allowed by law.  Please consider the value you receive and the enjoyments you experience sailing and socializing at regattas and fleet activities.   You may make your donations online:   USSCA Foundation

Author, Dan Smith

This discussion is based on a forum held among the members at the US Masters at Lake Norman. Emily Wagner was instrumental in taking notes. 

The strength of the Sunfish Class has always been its people — the friendliness, the inclusiveness, and the simple joy of sailing together. To grow the class in the U.S. and beyond, we need to refocus on what makes it special: accessible, local, family-oriented sailing that welcomes everyone, from newcomers to long-time racers.

Growth begins at the grassroots level with small, local events that emphasize participation over results. Fleets should focus on being inviting and easy to find — building awareness, availability, and locatability in their regions. Events don’t need to be free; programs can hire coaches or run Adult Learn-to-Sail, Learn-to-Race, and Skill Clinics to keep things fun and educational. A drill/training focus, rather than a pure race focus, can improve skills for all levels and ensure events always happen regardless of turnout or weather.

Reconnecting with youth sailors is also key. We should speak frankly with junior sailors about their sailing goals — not everyone is headed to the Olympics — and guide them toward boats that are fun, social, and rewarding, like the Sunfish. Emphasizing family sailing and allowing double-handed fun racing can make the class more appealing to younger sailors. Likewise, post-college sailors represent a valuable group that can be re-engaged through team racing, clinics, and regional challenges.

Finally, we can leverage well-known sailors and positive role models within the class to raise visibility, and we should never lose sight of the sailors in the back of the fleet — ensuring they’re learning, improving, and having fun. With the right mix of community spirit, consistency, and creativity, we can reignite the grassroots energy that has always made the Sunfish Class so special.

The challenge isn’t ideas — it’s action. Let’s not let diffusion or cost concerns hold us back. The key is to start small, start local, and start together.

Submitted by Jennifer Walker

The Luffing Lassies sail out of the Sarasota Sailing Squadron in Sarasota, Florida. They race Sunfish, 420s and American 18s. Every fall, the Lassies invite a group of women to attend an intensive program that introduces them to sailing a Sunfish and provides the beginnings of knowledge to begin racing as well.

This September, 44 Lassies volunteered a total of 853 hours to make this magic happen for a class of 10 women. The week-long Introduction to Sailing program starts with a swimming test and a capsize drill. The learning begins with exploring the Sunfish on land, then in the water without a sail, next in the water with a sail – and tethered!  Finally, the class ventures out with safety boats and coaches nearby to guide them.  Every morning the group meets for whiteboard knowledge sharing and to review progress and challenges. 

The 3-day Introduction to Racing program follows, providing a basic overview of the rules and strategies of racing. The Lassies provide rental Sunfish to the class for the rest of the sailing season; after that the new Lassies need to procure their own boats because a new class will be coming. 

These eight days every fall are very special to the Luffing Lassies; it is a pleasure to work together to help women who want to sail learn this rewarding sport.  

Thank you Jennifer for the submission and also all the beautiful photos!

CLICK HERE

My name is Jonny Hasper, I’m a retired boat Captain in Spokane Washington. I recently purchased a sunfish to teach my good friends 3 boys how to sail and it was a major success as they were fight over the boat so I got another one and it’s becoming a passion to teach kids and handicapped how to sail.  One of the boys has a handicap but sailing can be a very level playing field and he did great not to mention the pride I saw in his eyes brought me to tears! Right then i decided to try to teach sailing to as many kids as I can next summer. I have the perfect private lake to teach on offered by the father of his handicap son and he has helped in purchasing more sailboats but I would like about 6 sunfish sailboats so this is a request if you have a sunfish you would like to donate or offer a nice discount to my goal of teaching please contact me and hope it’s possible.  You can follow me on Facebook as you will see how your gift will be appreciated and loved. Thanks for your time and let’s all Keep Sailing! 

The USSCA Regional Representatives are hard at work confirming the event schedule for 2026. These events will serve as qualifiers for the 2027 World Championship. If your club is interested in hosting, please reach out to the regional representatives directly or the Class office. USSCA WQ Class Notice

By Bob Harris

The Menantic Yacht Club of Shelter Island hosted the annual New York Downstate Regional Championship Sunfish races September 13-14. It was a perfect weekend, notwithstanding a broken safety boat, both motors on the RC boat that wouldn’t start (easily remedied when it was discovered that the emergency cutoff switch had been thrown), and very light to no wind in the mornings. The wind picked up in the afternoon, resulting in a very successful weekend of racing over two days.  Thirty-two sailors registered for the race; the winner qualifies for the World Championship races that will be hosted in St. Croix in November 2026.  Of the 32 sailors, 17 have sailed with the MYC in the past, and a total of 15 different clubs were represented, including one from as far afield as Maine.

                One sailor, Peter Due, must have had sore arms after paddling in windless conditions for an hour and a half to get to the start line from Cedar Point in Southold.  Peter was definitely happy when the wind picked up later; it only took him a half hour to sail home at the end of the day, giving him enough time to drive back to Shelter Island and attend the after-race party. Josh Gear left his home in Maine at 4:00 a.m., took two ferries and arrived in time for the start.

                The Saturday morning races were delayed by about two hours because of lack of wind, giving sailors time to become acquainted while drifting around.  In fact, lunch was brought out to the sailors and volunteers because drifting back to shore in the windless conditions was not a good option. Eventually, the wind filled in and was blowing at 10-12 knots.  Several wind shifts necessitated mark moves, which were handled efficiently by the two mark boats crewed by Matt Fox, Peter Zahn, Dave Daly and yours truly.   Having two mark boats and crews, one used to place the pin and gates and one for the windward  mark and offset pin, really saved time.

                Principal Race Officers Doug Wefer and Steve Shepstone ran four races on both Saturday and Sunday. They were assisted by RC Signal Boat Mary Ellen Wefer, Diane Keegan and Deb Davison. Each leg was approximately one half mile in length. The RC ran LAR2 courses, except for the very last race on Sunday.  As a gift to the sailors, the RC ran LAR3, the longest course possible, just as everyone was thinking that the day was over and they were looking forward to heading to the beach after a very successful series of races.

                The races were held in Shelter Island Sound, outside of West Neck Harbor, the MYC’s usual venue, for the first time in 43 years because the Downstate Regionals required longer race courses than the harbor could provide. The current was running fairly strongly and determined which side of the course was favored.

                From the vantage point of the mark boat it wasn’t clear who was going to come out on top. After the first day of racing, Lee Montes was leading by eight points, followed by Peter Beardsley in second and   Paul-Jon Patin in third. There were five different sailors who placed first in at least one race, Lee, Peter, Paul-Jon, Chris Williams, Matt Kreuzkamp and 14-year old Michael Layton.   Lee’s lead narrowed going into the last race. He had only one first-place finish, along with Peter, while Paul-Jon had two but placed first in the last race to accumulate three. And the winner was Lee by a nose, just 2 points, to win overall.               

                At the awards ceremony, Peter and I thanked all the participants for coming, including all the non-sailors who volunteered their time and helped make the event a success.  As MYC Commodore, I can say on behalf of the club that the MYC really appreciates the great turnout, since Shelter Island is a little out of the way for some.  Peter presented awards to the top five placers, Lee, Paul-Jon, himself, Chris Williams and Larry Suter. When Lee learned that he had won he looked shocked, and commented “but Paul-Jon always wins this race, it’s my first time”.

                Peter Beardsley and Melissa Shepstone did a superb job of organizing the races and getting all the crews and volunteers together. Volunteers are an integral part of any club and deserve to be recognized and thanked for their service: on safety boats - Betty Bishop, Dave Daly, Kevin Keegan and Richard Masse; Jonathan Brush for spectator boat; Betsy Colby – photographer; Penny Zahn – lunch; Marian Thomsen – registration; John Mooney - Chief Judge; Beth Fleisher, Jim Shultz and Regina Soto – Judges; Melissa Shepstone – scorer; and Mary Vetri who supplied food for both Saturday and Sunday in addition to just generally helping out. Tom McMahon, Penny Zahn, Shelter Island Yacht Club and Charlie Modica loaned the fleet the safety boats, mark boats and RC boat.   In fact, Charlie loaned three of his boats, including his Shelter Island Runabout as the RC.  

                Other volunteers who helped out on the beach were Susan Donlon, Mike Donlon, Rob Stern and his son, Nate, Lucy Browne, Kerry and Ginny Mitchell and Patricia Layton.  Thank you all for a superb job. And thank you to the Town Of Shelter Island for smooth sailing with the permitting process.

Pos,Sail, Skipper, Yacht Club, Results, Total Points
1. 82634, lee Montes, Wet Pants SA/Menantic YC/ Connetquot River DC, 2-1-3-2-2-5-[21]-3- ; 18  
2. 1919, Paul-Jon Patin, Sayville YC, 6-[11]-2-1-5-1-4-1- ; 20  
3. 81310, Peter Beardsley, Menantic YC / Shelter Island YC, 5-2-1-8-4-[20]-8-2- ; 30  
4. 49615, Chris Williams, Bristol YC, 1-5-[15]-3-9-6-2-7- ; 33  
5. 75451, Larry Suter, Coconut Grove Sailing Club, 3-4-9-6-3-2-19-[33/RET-BF]- ; 46  
6. 81351, Paul Zinger, Menantic YC / Shelter Island YC, 4-8-6-7-11-9-5-[12]- ; 50  
7. 81552, Matt Kreuzkamp, SBWA, 8-15-4-5-1-7-22-[24]- ; 62  
8. 5221, John Condon, Sayville YC, 14-6-8-13-12-[23]-6-13- ; 72  
9. 4372, Bart Hale, Southold YC, 7-16-[23]-16-13-8-3-10- ; 73  
10. 81653, Joshua Gear, Agamenticus Yacht Club, 9-12-[21]-12-19-4-12-6- ; 74T  
11. 78242, Ryan Messina, Sebego, 12-10-5-9-15-10-13-[16]- ; 74T  
12. 81334, Griffin Sisk, Westhampton Yacht Squadron, 24-3-17-4-6-3-24-[26]- ; 81  
13. 57423, Michael Layton, Southold Yacht Club, 20-17-7-20-[21]-12-1-5- ; 82  
14. 81980, Brady Schultz, Westhampton, [22]-7-19-11-10-18-10-8- ; 83  
15. 49214, Richard Prieto, Menantic YC/Boca Ciega YC, [33/OCS]-13-10-10-25-11-7-18- ; 94  
16. 647, Richard Skeen, Deer Lake Club, 10-18-11-21-16-19-[25]-15- ; 110  
17. 88, Joan Butler, Menantic Yacht Club, 16-29-12-25-[32]-14-11-4- ; 111  
18. 81817, Hollin Calloway, Lavallette YC /Deer Lake Club/MYC, 18-20-[25]-15-22-13-20-11- ; 119  
19. 75011, Brant Davison, Menantic, 11-22-[24]-14-20-22-16-19- ; 124  
20. 25, Linda Gibbs, Menantic Yacht Club, 17-25-14-[26]-14-16-18-22- ; 126  
21. 5102, Timothy Mitchell, Menantic YC, 29-23-18-[31]-7-15-26-9- ; 127  
22. 81747, Peter Due, Menantic Yacht Club, 21-9-26-18-27-[29]-14-14- ; 129  
23. 1019, Christopher Young, Syc, 19-24-13-17-18-[30]-17-23- ; 131  
24. 407, Alicia Rojas, Menantic Yacht Club/ Shelter Island Yacht Club, 13-[26]-16-23-23-17-23-17- ; 132  
25. 60307, Dirk Mechielsen, Deer Lake Club / Manhattan Yacht Club, 15-21-22-22-24-21-9-[25]- ; 134  
26. 999, Denise Fenchel, MYC, 23-14-20-19-26-26-[27]-27- ; 155  
27. 76800, Ronnie Hill, Menantic Yacht Club (168), 28-32-27-29-8-28-15-[33/RET-BF]- ; 167  
28. 37, Kate Duff, Menantic Yacht Club, 26-19-28-24-[30]-27-30-20- ; 174  
29. 82009, Tiffany Ludwig, Deer Lake Club, 25-[30]-30-27-17-24-29-28- ; 180  
30. 001, John Colby, Shelter Island Yacht Club, 31-27-29-30-31-[32]-28-21- ; 197  
31. 80726, Suzanne Hulme, Westhampton Yacht Squadron, 30-28-[32]-28-29-25-32-29- ; 201  
32. 3774, Mark Powell, South Bay Watersports/Sea Cliff YC, 27-31-31-[32]-28-31-31-30- ; 209 

Submitted by Kevin and Maureen Kearney

Sunfish sailors arrived at Toms River Yacht Club on Friday evening and Saturday morning from Delaware, Upstate NY, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Shelter Island, NYC, North Jersey, the Dominican Republic and Barnegat Bay to compete for an invite to the 2026 ISCA Worlds at St Croix, US VI.

On Saturday morning the Race Committee set up on the Wanamaker Course, a 35–40-minute sail east of the Club, while the TRYC hosted a busy weekend with a High School Regional qualifying regatta, Optimist clinics and two separate social functions joining the Sunfish Regional.  Two W/L 4 races were sailed in 5-6 knots from the WSW.  The forecast for a dying breeze late morning had the RC call for a W/L 3 race in 4-5 knots.  Experienced lake sailor Doug Brown led the fleet at the start of the second beat.   Following boats that opted for the left side benefited from the arrival of the SE sea breeze.  Dave Thompson crossed the finish first with Doug Brown overlapping him, yet he placed fifth as the fleet converged at the finish requiring recorded video to correctly identify all the finishers.  The RC quickly re-set the course to the 8-9 knots from the SE.  Two more W/L 4 races were completed providing the coveted drop after five races.  Post racing snacks and beverages were enjoyed followed by a buffet dinner served on the patio under a golden sunset.

Sunday morning showed no wind.  Postponement led to the RC cancelling all further racing at 11:00 am.  Awards commenced with door prizes donated by the Dinghy Shop being handed out.  The regatta concluded with trophies being awarded to top Junior Brandon Belish, Connie Miller bested her two nearest competitors by two points to garner top Female, local Barnegat Bay Sailor Dave Thompson won the regatta notching three firsts to hold off Esneiry Perez from The Dominican Republic, followed by Drew Porter Otsego, NY, Doug Brown Hunterdon, NJ and Paul Zinger, Shelter Island, NY rounding out the top five.

FULL RESULTS: CLICK HERE

Submitted by Hal Gilreath

Twenty seven competitors came to Florida Yacht Club and enjoyed a wonderful weekend of tremendous social activities and seven challenging races.  A talented fleet from across the Southeast and the Dominican Republic started the weekend with practice starts and a race on Friday.   Afterwards the fleet, friends and regatta supporters enjoyed a wonderful waterfront evening at a local fleet member’s home.  The evening sponsored by Bold City Brewery,  made a great regatta opening event.

Saturday dawned sunny, warm and with light breeze.  After Kim Collins, FYC Board Member and Fleet Committee Chair, welcomed the fleet, sailors set forth upon the St Johns River.  David Mendelblatt, Eugene Schmitt and Clinton Edwards comprised the top three of first race.  Don Packard ran away with the second race in the light to medium oscillating breeze, medium chop and strong current.  Hal Gilreath and Steve Honour, won the third and fourth race, respectively.  Ken and Lisa Wright led the RC team which kept the racing fair and timely in the challenging conditions.  After four races the fleet retired to shore to enjoy the fall weather and sunset on the St Johns River.  Saturday finished up with Hal Gilreath, David Mendelblatt and Eugene Schmitt at the top of the leaderboard.

The evening kicked off with a waterside happy hour, sponsored by Grace Note Brewing, at the Florida Yacht Club poolside bar.  Sailors and friends enjoyed waterfront dining of an outstanding Florida Yacht Club meal, and socialized around the pool for the evening.  

A stronger breeze and chop arose on Sunday morning as the RC set up further out in the river.  A strong, following current resulted in several recalls before the uniform flag start kept the sailors behind the line.   Three races followed in 10-12 knots of breeze and medium chop.  The oscillating breeze kept the sailors on their toes throughout the three races.   Esneiry Perez, Laura Jeffers and Mary Ellen Brown sailed well to realize strong days and move up the leader board.   David had a strong day derailed by a UFD to drop behind Eugene and into third.  Hal remained consistent to edge Eugene to win the regional.  

FYC Commodore, Tad McDonough, thanked the sailors for a competitive regatta and passed out St Johns River clocks for the top three and Mary Ellen Brown as the top woman.   Thanks again go to sponsors, Grace Note Brewing, Bold City Brewery, and Zim; along with the entire RC and FYC Staff for a tremendous weekend.  Results:   Top Ten; Full results:  2025 Florida USSCA Regional Championship

Dan Smith Video on FB: https://www.facebook.com/reel/25093868666944685

FYC Videos: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1404884958311502&set=pcb.1404885001644831

Submitted by Jackson Timberlake

From the fantastic views of the Jacksonville skyline to the challenge of the St. John’s River, the 2025 Florida Regional Championship was one for the books. Twenty-seven sailors from six states and the Dominican Republic came to compete for one of the last 2026 World Championship berths.  The Florida Yacht Club spared nothing in making this a stellar event.  Jacksonville local Hal Gilreath emerged victorious, claiming first overall. Eugene Schmitt placed second overall, with David Mendelblatt seizing third place and the coveted worlds berth. Mary Ellen Ingham claimed the title of top women. 

Saint John’s River proved challenging all weekend long. Sailors battled a range of conditions from 1.5 knot currents, to no breeze at all to a fair bit and shifty breeze.  A steady 1 knot current on Saturday along with very little wind and very large shifts proved extremely challenging, especially to us non river sailors.  There was no shortage of complaints of back pain thanks to everyone sitting in their cockpits all day. 

Sunday provided some reprieve with a steady breeze and far fewer shifts than the day before. With that being said, the racing on Sunday became very competitive, as us non-river sailors found ourselves in more familiar conditions.  The race committee was phenomenal.  They finished up our races Sunday afternoon and then rolled straight into a J24 regatta without even coming back to the dock. 

We owe a big thanks to the Gilreath's for hosting all the sailors at their home on Friday night, providing us with a deluxe taco bar and beer - I had soda. The Florida Yacht Club served a delicious meal on Saturday night, and I’m pretty sure they had every single college football game that you could imagine on at the bar.

I think I can speak for all the sailors who were at the regatta when I say that it was truly a fantastic event and a good time was had by all. As a junior I haven’t been in the class for long, but one thing that is always on display at every Sunfish regatta is the community that this class embodies.  It’s about reuniting with old friends or making new friends and competing in the sport we all love.  I personally get to see my mentors in action and learn new things that improve my racing skills. This regatta truly reminded me of the sense of community this class brings, and heading home on Monday I started thinking to myself, I may not be the best Sunfish sailor, but I sure am lucky to be one.

Thank you Florida Yacht Club for hosting! 

Submitted by Jackson Timberlake

This year I had the honor of co-chairing and sailing in Bay-Waveland Yacht Club’s annual Monk Smith regatta. With 50 boats of varying classes, Sunfish was the second largest class with nine boats competing. Bay local Eugene Schmitt, ultimately emerged on top claiming first overall followed closely by Clinton Edwards in second place.  Hank Saurage rounded out the podium with a third place overall. 

On Saturday, we experienced a steady 12-14 knot breeze from the north and got five races off. We were not as fortunate on Sunday though with no breeze and thus no races.  Hats off to the race committee for a fantastic job managing so many classes on one course.  On Saturday night, sailors were treated to a homemade jambalaya dinner compliments of chef and regatta co-chair Martha Heausler.  It was outstanding!

We also welcomed junior Kennedy Rayborn into Sunfish sailing for her inaugural regatta. She gave it her all and had a good time, which is what Sunfish sailing is all about. 

Nine sailors made it on Oct 24 th to beautiful Johnson Slough in Hinsdale, IL for the annual season ending Great Pumpkin Regatta. After 6 races the top racer was Scott Schappe (Lake Forest, IL) followed by Mark Kastel (La Crosse, WI) and Rich Chapman (Libertyville, IL). The Midwest Region now must wait until spring for the next regatta.

Submitted by Chris Carroll 

The USSCA Florida Regional Championship II was held October 31 thru November 2, 2025 and was hosted by the Clearwater Yacht Club.  Several athletes arrived at the Clearwater Sailing Center mid-morning on Friday so they could practice out in the Gulf Friday afternoon.  And what a hoot we had!  The outgoing tide was met with a brisk Northeast wind which created some gigantic waves.  After hiking hard to get upwind, we were treated to some epic downwind rides with Rich Chapman hitting over 12 knots on the way in. Super fun!

Thirty-two ISCA athletes sailed out to a quiet Gulf on Saturday morning. We had two light air (and shifty) races with the breeze coming from the east-northeast which was offshore.  As the day progressed, the breeze clocked left.  The last two races of the day were raced in about 8 knots of breeze with plenty of chop.  Keeping your head out of the boat looking for breeze and shifts was key.  The incredibly consistent David Mendelblatt ended the first day with a 3, 2, 2, 1.  Back on shore we were greeted with delicious chicken noodle soup followed by a bountiful Mexican dinner buffet at the Clearwater Yacht Club.

Sunday was also light air and the decision was made to race us inside on the bay.  We managed to get in one race before the breeze totally died. The phenomenally consistent and always fast David Mendelblatt won Sunday's race and the regatta by 19 points.  Congratulations, David!  Also, congratulations to Jeff Olsen who was awarded the 2026 worlds spot. The Clearwater Yacht Club and all their volunteers did an amazing job.  

Complete results can be found here: Cumulative Results - YachtScoring.com

Welcome to our newest fleet #761 - Catawba Yacht Club just south of Charlotte, North Carolina on Lake Wylie. Fleet leader Chip Toth is getting things going and for more information and schedule, CLICK HERE.

ISCA/USSCA Class Administrator

8070 Willow Tree Way, Alpharetta, GA 30005

www.sunfishclass.org    sunfishoff@gmail.com  404-451-7743