Michegan boat claims nationals

Eric Wynsma is the first US Audi Melges 20 US national champion

On the final day of racing, Eric Wynsma from East Grand Rapids, Mich. on Superfly was crowned the first ever Audi Melges 20 U.S. National Champion. Along with his crew of Wally Cross and JP de Solar, they took the last day, light air conditions and the overnight lead from Pieter Taselaar on Bliksem. He just barely beat out Marc Hollerbach on Blackjack from Grosse Point, Mich. along with his sons Ian and Adam tied with equal points in second overall. Taselaar, with Michael Coxon and Williem Van Way finished in third overall.

Sunday’s racing was tough and quite challenging. Only one race was able to be held due to the excessively light conditions for a total of four races to make the Championship.

Harry Melges and Andy Burdick with Melges Performance Sailboats brought around the Sebago girls. Special thanks for their support as Sebago played an intricate part in the success of this event, as the top three top winning teams were outfitted with very cool Sebago shoes as prizes.

The International Audi Melges 20 Class Association would like to thank the Macatawa Bay Yacht Club and most especially Michael and Toby Kiss who worked so hard to make this event fantastic.

Looking ahead, the Audi Melges 20 fleet, in the U.S.A. and Europe is excited about the upcoming 2010 Schedule of Events. The class anticipates a great turn out. In particular, the next U.S. National Championship on beautiful Lake Geneva on August 27-29, 2010!

Top Ten Results (FINAL)
1.) Eric Wynsma - 4-1-5-1 = 11
2.) Marc Hollerbach - 1-4-3-3 = 11
3.) Pieter Taselaar - 2-2-1-7 = 12
4.) John Arenshorst - 12-3-9-2 = 26
5.) Dave Hammett - 3-9-2-12/TLE = 26
6.) Michael Kiss - 6-6-7-8 27
7.) Bendetto Giallongo - 5-10-4-9= 28
8.) Chuck Holzman - 7-5-6-11 = 29
9.) Joe Williams - 9-7-8-12/TLE = 36
10.) Marco Morina - 8-8-15/DNF-6 = 37