Brad Boston claimed first place in the 2004 Ultimate 20 National Championships over the largest group of Ultimate 20s ever assembled in the fleet's history.   Boston earned a clear victory with a low-point total of only 12 points, ahead of BJ Jones, Horace Holland, Bob Aman, and Steve Stollman, in 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th places respectively.

The fleet represented not only the largest group of Ultimates, but quite possibly the most widely traveled, with boats and skippers from Ontario, Canada, Alabama, Oregon, Florida, Michigan, Texas, Ohio, Georgia, Illinois, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania.  

Twenty four U20s entered and sailed in this seven race regatta consisting of varying weather conditions over the course of three days.  Light to moderate winds with pouring rain most of the day on Friday allowed for two races.  Saturday opened up with cool winds of 20 knots gusting to 30 with four wild races involving plenty of action, some equipment failures, a couple injuries (not too serious) and many tired sailors (Don Corey who was out of action due to a broken foot even admits to getting tired holding his binoculars watching the excitement at the weather mark).  Sunday was very cold and windy with no one complaining about only one race.  The club house was warm with the fireplace in full operation for the “tailgate” party on Thursday evening, Class banquet and meeting on Friday, BBQ on Saturday and awards on Sunday.  

Several first time U20 one design sailors mixed it up with several boat loads of pros (and everybody else in between) making for one terrific regatta. Hopefully they will all come back in ‘05 to make it bigger and better.  

This one will definitely go down in the U20 history book with much thanks to the sponsors, all those who attended and participated, the many who helped plan and pull it off, and the superb work of the race committee. Click here to see photos of the event

Complete results  follow: