Fantastic sailing conditions capped off a special weekend of racing on Captain’s Harbor in Greenwich, CT for the 12 boats and 26 competitors at the 2009 U.S. Disabled Sailing Championship, hosted by Riverside Yacht Club and sponsored by Rolex Watch U.S.A. and Dry Creek Vineyard.New champions Charles Rosenfield (Woodstock, CT) in the singlehanded 2.4mR division and, US Sailing Team AlphaGraphics member, Jen French (St. Petersburg, FL) with crew, Roger Cleworth (Lithia, FL / USSTAG) and Kevin Wixom (Lakeside, CA.) of the Ideal 18 doublehanded division, were undeniable in their quest to win a national championship. Rosenfield posted bullets in all seven races, while French skippered her crew to six wins in eight races, including a pair of second place finishes. Teams prepared to race in the SKUD 18 doublehanded division moved into the Ideal 18 fleet prior to racing on Saturday. The singlehanded fleet consisted of four boats, while the Ideal 18s included eight teams.
Strong to moderate winds out of the north from 10-15 knots moved west as the afternoon progressed. French and crew were out to defend their lead against Sarah Everhart Skeels (Tiverton, RI) and Robert Jones (Isaaquah, WA). French got an early jump on the fleet at the first start and ended up winning the first race ahead of Everhart Skeels. Skipper Mike Strahle (Redding, CA) and Donna De- Marest (Waterbury, CT) were on their game and started challenging French. In the first race of the day, Strahle came up short of taking first place and French prevailed. However, in race three Strahle and DeMarest took first just ahead of French. In the final race at the second windward mark, it looked like Strahle was going to round ahead but the wind shifted and moved the mark from 350 degrees to 330 degrees. Therefore, Strahle needed to fetch the mark, allowing French to sneak in just ahead of them for the win.
“We really worked well together as a team, and I think it showed in the result, said French.’ ‘We had never sailed together before as a team.”
Rosenfield managed to command the race course once again. There was plenty of action as boats battled for 2nd, 3rd and 4th place. Timothy Ripley (Randolph, NJ) took second in race one and three, while Tamara Vermette (Milford, CT) managed to take second place in race two. “Certainly, I’m pleased to do well here,” said Rosenfield. “It was a fun regatta and the Riverside Yacht Club has been an awesome host.”
Managed by US SAILING, the event is open to any sailor with a physical disability. Participants have included quadriplegics, paraplegics and amputees, as well as individuals with multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, polio and ALS. Several past participants of this championship have gone on to compete in the Paralympic Games, including 2008 Paralympic Gold Medalist and two time USDSC Singlehanded Champion (2005, 2004), the late - Nick Scandone. Many of this year’s participants have Paralympic ambitions. For complete results, daily reports, and photos, visit championships.ussailing.org/Adult/USDisabledChampionship.htm ✦
