Lake Pend Oreille dished up some challenging conditions and beautiful scenery for those who gathered in Sandpoint Idaho for the 2019 U20 North American Championship.
Thursday evenings practice race was followed by a brisket dinner at Chris' home and plenty of Uinta beer. The food was great and it was a super way to re-connect with friends and welcome new members to the fleet.
Light and shifty wind on the opening day prevented the RC from starting any races on Day 1. After a day of floating in he sun, the fleet headed over to the pig roast with live music at the Rear Commodores home. Some teams wanted even more fun and went up town to the Drag Show!
Day 2 started with an early breeze and Bob Abelin of Canyon Ferry Yacht Club was untouchable, taking first place by a big margin. Graham Shivers of Vancouver BC posted a second and Travis Gregory from Salt Lake, a third. More light and shifty conditions settled in preventing further racing on Day 2. So it was back to the tent for cold beer, dinner and then uptown again to continue the party and for more foolishness
On a unanimous vote, racing hours were extended for the third and final day. In 6-8 knots of breeze, lead changes were constant - 6 boats were able to post a first or a second place finish. In the end Chris Chambers came out on top (14), with Graham Shivers from the West Vancouver Yacht Club in second (15) and Mark Allen from the Great Salt Lake Yacht Club in third (16).
Thanks to everyone who came to town to help make this a great and memorable regatta!!