Early lead for Martin and Nelson

505 North American Championship set sail

Day One of the 5O5 North American Championships kicked off today with two action-packed races on the Olympic Circle of San Francisco Bay. West Coast favorites Mike Martin/Jeff Nelson (2nd, 1st – 3.0 pts) and Mike Holt/Carl Smit (6th, 2nd – 8.0 pts.) sit atop the leaderboard followed closely by the German team of Jens Findel/Johannes Tellen (5th, 6th – 11.0 pts).

Strong winds and choppy seas provided for plenty of excitement as reigning champions Nick Adamson/ Steve Bourdow who got off to a strong start with a 3rd in the first race of the day were among a number of competitors – including Tyler Moore/Geoff Ewenson who took the bullet in the first race – who did not complete the second race.

“The winds started off strong and picked up throughout the day with winds reaching 22 kts steadily and gusts up to 26,” according to Pip Pearson, International 5O5 Class President. “San Francisco was chosen for its complex and demanding conditions and we got what we wanted with full trapezing weather right from the start. We’re looking forward to a great week of racing for the North Americans in San Francisco.”

“The competitors hit the Bay hard today and the first day results are indicative of the strength of the field,” commented SAP 2009 5O5 Regatta Chair, Peter Szasz. “We were pleased to have more than 80 boats on the starting line representing 8 countries from around the world and including past and present champions. We want to thank all of the competitors for their efforts and wish them luck tomorrow.”