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| 14 year old Bryce Andreasen leading the fleet |
Report from Tom Dailey
Week 6: Richardson Wins in 5-8k Right-Trending Easterly/Southerly
In a day of firsts, four different skippers won heats before Ben Richardson prevailed in the seven races series on Sunday. Gene Ho won his first race, as did 14 year old Bryce Andreasen (pictured), marking the first time a junior (under age 18) won a race in the three-year history of Laser Frostbite sailing at Eastern yacht club. Young Andreasen also led the fleet at several marks in different races, showing flashes of speed and smarts that make him a name to watch in the four remaining weeks of the season. Veterans Sam Altreuder and Richardson were the other winning skippers. On the day Richardson won with second-place finishes in the four races he did not win. Andreasen’s antics were just good enough to beat Wayne Colahan and Spring Champ Stein Skaane – all within one point. Phil Smith sailed consistently with the top group in claiming top Corinthian (top finisher who had not previously won the day), and Gene Ho’s strong finish secured his position as the day’s top Gypsy (finisher from outside Essex County).
Proving again the futility in predicting this ocean’s breeze, a lovely 6-8k westerly at 1000 veered 100 degrees right, settled in a range for a couple of hours before bolting right again, as the last race was finished in a southerly. Without postponement, the race committee kept the races coming, moving the marks between every heat. Racing continues for another 4 Sundays, until just before Thanksgiving. The fleet loaner boat is available this weekend, contact tom.dailey@gfk.com if interested.