The International Etchells 2024 Biscayne Bay Series continued in Miami on January 13-14. The Sid Doren Memorial, the second event of the four-regatta series, attracted 36 boats. Winter weather across the Midwest caused several DNCs due to flight delays and cancellations.
With temps in the mid-seventies, everyone was happy they were not anyplace else in the continental USA as snow, ice and frigid temperatures gripped most of the rest of the country.
Race one got underway right on time for the 36 Etchells. PRO Mark Foster set a course at 225° with a first beat of 1.6 miles in 12-15 knots of breeze. The fleet was incredibly well behaved for the first “P” flag start with only one boat being called over early.
USA-926, the US Youth Team Etchells “Big Dawg”, skippered by Shawn Harvey with crew Noble Reynoso, Nick Marwell and Justin Callahan won the race. Craig Mense, USA-1456 “Freedom” was second, with Jud Smith, USA-1111 “Fast Mermaid” in third.
Race two went off with the same distance and bearing with the wind building to 18-19 knots and a building ebb tide. Another “P” flag start with no boats called over early. John Dane III, USA-1427 “DangErous”, was first. They were followed by Luke Lawrence, CAN-1501 “Cruel Jane 2.0” in second and Peter Duncan, USA-1506 “Oatmeal” in third.
Race three went off with a first beat of 1.5 miles and bearing of 205 with the wind dropping to 10-15 knots and a stronger ebbtide. Another “P” flag start with no boats called over early. Peter Duncan, USA-1506 “Oatmeal”, was first. They were followed by Jack Jakosky, USA-1494 “A Mac” in second and Austin Sperry, USA-1454 “Bayou Hustler” in third.
Back on shore it was time for some socializing under the sea grape trees. One of the best parts of the Biscayne Bay Series, the sailors all meet up for a few cold ones, and some tasty snacks as provided by host Biscayne Bay Yacht Club.
Sunday dawned with an iffy overcast and blustery weather forecast as a front with some heavy rain was slowly moving down Florida from the north. Race four started at 065° bearing and 1.5-mile distance with winds of 12-15 knots. Austin Sperry, USA-1454 “Bayou Hustler”, won the race. Peter Duncan, USA-1506 “Oatmeal”, was second, followed by Andy Cumming, CAN-1451 “Blackadder II” in third. So, at the end of race 4, Peter Duncan, USA-1506 “Oatmeal”, and Luke Lawrence, CAN-1501 “Cruel Jane 2.0”, were tied for first place in the regatta with 20 points each and with a throw-out available after race 5.
Race five started at 055° bearing and 1.5-mile distance with winds of 12-15 knots. Jim Cunningham, USA-1504 “Lifted”, won the race. Argyle Campbell, USA-1509 “Rock On”, was second, followed by Peter Duncan, USA-1506 “Oatmeal”, in third.
Winning the 2024 Sid Doren Memorial Overall was Peter Duncan, sailing “Oatmeal” with Andrew Palfrey and Mark Mendelblatt. This follows their first-place finish in the Piana Cup back in December, and makes them the early overall leader for the Biscayne Bay Series.
Finishing second overall was Luke Lawrence, CAN-1501 “Cruel Jane 2.0”, sailing with Andrew Macrae and Brad Boston. Third place overall went to Craig Mense, USA-1456 “Freedom”, with Ian Liberty, Manu Weiller and Norman Berge. In fourth place overall was Jim Cunningham, USA-1504 “Lifted”, with his crew of Steve Hunt, Erik Shampain and Serena Vilage. Rounding out the top five overall was Austin Sperry, USA-1454 “Bayou Hustler”, sailing with Noel Drennan and Max Salminen.
Winning the 2024 Sid Doren Memorial Corinthian was Senet Bischoff, sailing USA-1349 “Amateur Hour” with Ben Kinney and Jay Kehoe. This follows their third-place finish in the Piana Cup back in December, and makes them the early overall leader for the Biscayne Corinthian Bay Series. Finishing second was Peter Vessella, USA-1491 “Mahalaga”, sailing with David Martin and James Liebl. Peter is tied with 4 points with Senet Bischoff for first place in the Series. Third place Corinthian went to Andy Cumming, CAN-1451 “Blackadder II”, sailing with Chloe Congourdeau, Erin Sauder and John Millen.
Next up, the Etchells Florida State Championship February 3-4, 2024.