DeVos junior leads the charge

As Melges 32 US Nationals fire up

Stunning conditions prevailed on day one of the 2010 Melges 32 U.S. National Championship, hosted by the Little Traverse Yacht Club at Harbour Springs, MI. A moderate 8-12 knots of breeze and glorious sunshine was the main feature of the day, not to mention, PRO Bruce Golison and team firing off three stellar races. "It was typical good racing today with the right side favored." said Golison.

Leading the event by an impressive slim two point margin, is none other than 18-year old Ryan DeVos on Volpe. As the youngest helmsman in the fleet, DeVos sailed confidently with his dad Dick and is guided by Ed Baird of America's Cup fame. The name of the game today was consistency and that's just what enabled him to take the overall lead. "It was a lot of fun and the conditions were just great today. It got a little light in the second race, but it came back and filled in. So, definitely a lot of fun." said DeVos after racing. "We have a great team put together, and it's all teamwork. All the little things on these boats matter and they are such a blast, which is also key. Going out and just having fun means sometimes whatever happens, happens. You can only sail your boat as fast as you can."

Two additional fine performances were also provided by 2010 European Champion GBR's Joe Woods on Red and John Kilroy, Jnr. on Samba Pa Ti.

Woods really put on a show winning both races 1 and 2. The first race witnessed Woods getting off the line fast, while Kip Meadows on roXanne, Jeff Ecklund on STAR and Dalton DeVos on Delta suffering OCS consequences. Woods extended his lead, leg-by-leg finishing well ahead of the fleet in both heats. "This is such a lovely place to come and sail. Our tactician [Beijing Olympic Laser gold medallist Paul Goodison] really played a big part in today's success. He really got us out and in the clear. Our boat speed was great. The whole team is working very well together. It's starting to really gel," commented Woods.

Kilroy led the fleet around the track for the final race of the day. "This place is just beautiful." said Kilroy. "The first two races were okay, we just went the wrong way, but we made up for it a little by winning the third race." Kilroy faced tough competition from the young Ryan DeVos who grabbed second. Robert Hughes on Heartbreaker had a nice race landing third.

Lighter conditions (6-8 knots) are expected for Friday. If that happens, only two races with longer distances are on order.

Results: