Rowayton, CT
Day 1
Rowayton, CT (September 16, 2024):
Hobie 16 North American Championships got underway today at Roton Point Sailing Association in Rowayton, CT, a circa 1880 building later converted to a sailing club, with a pool and tennis courts with the front of the building facing the water. Many sailors are camping on the grounds, which are well-covered with trees. The teams are sailing on Long Island Sound, a tidal estuary just north of New York City. Fifty teams from the North American region are competing in this weeklong event.
While delivering very pleasant temperatures, a persistent high pressure over the New England states has been keeping the winds on the lighter side. Racing got underway today in ~10 knots from the east, but the wind slowly decreased throughout the day. Three races were completed in 7-10 knots of wind with a strong current and quite an active sea state, considering the wind speeds. The challenge of the day was keeping the boat moving well in the waves and managing the current. The strong ebb current made starting a challenge as it was sweeping boats over the line.
In the results from day 1 (subject to protest hearings), Jason Sanchez /Heather Mathews (USA) with tied for second Greg Thomas /Karen Grisko (USA) and Mark MODDERMAN/Jose JUSTINIANIO (USA), followed by Mike EVANS/Jesse STEVENSON (USA) in fourth.
Day 2 Hobie 16 North American Championships.
With a very light breeze, the competitors waited on shore for the breeze to increase. After a 2.5-hour wait, the race committee sent the boats out for the racing.
With a strong current pushing the boats across the start line and a light six-knot breeze, there was a series of general recalls. Unable to start with the strong current and light breeze, the race committee postponed the races, hoping for the breeze to increase.
With no sign of the breeze increasing, the race committee sent everybody back home for the day.
There was a change in the leaderboard. Jason Sanchez /Heather Mathews won their redress hearing, and with the protest committee awarding them average points, they moved into first place.
Racing continues tomorrow at Roton Point Sailing Association in Rowayton
Day 3: Hobie 16 North American Championships
On Day 3 of the Hobie 16 North American Championships, sailors took to the water under light, fluctuating winds of 8-11 knots, managing to complete four races. The wind conditions ranged from light, with no one on the wire, to gusts strong enough for one, and occasionally two sailors, to be out on the trapeze.
The tricky sea state added a challenge for upwind sailing, requiring skilful sailing to maintain speed. However, the downwind legs presented opportunities for strategic gains, as sailors surfed the waves to overtake competitors or defend their positions.
After four exciting races, the leaderboard shifted once again, with competitors now able to discard their worst race result.
Ben Brown / Casey Brown (USA) is currently leading the championship, followed closely by Francisco Figueroa / Faith Payne (PUR) in second place and Mark Modderman / Jose Justiniano (USA) in third.
Day 4: Hobie 16 North American Championships
Despite initial predictions of a cool, rainy day, sailors were met with sunny skies and warm temperatures—unfortunately, without the wind to match.
The race committee, hoping for better conditions further out in the bay, sent the Hobie 16 fleet on a long sail offshore. Although two races were started in 6-7 knots of wind, both had to be abandoned as the breeze quickly faded. A 100-degree wind shift left the fleet with just 1.5 knots of wind, making racing impossible.
With no improvement in sight, the race committee called it a day, sending the fleet back to shore without completing a single race.
Tomorrow’s forecast promises winds of 10-17 knots, but given today’s unexpected conditions, competitors will wait to see what nature delivers.
Day 5: Hobie 16 North American Championships
The final day of racing at the 2024 Hobie 16 North American Championships, hosted by the Roton Point Sailing Association in Rowayton, CT, delivered ideal sailing conditions. With winds ranging from 8 to 14 knots, the Hobie 16 fleet enjoyed four exhilarating races, navigating strong currents and exciting waves.
Competition was fierce throughout the event, and after 11 races, the battle for the championship title ended in a dramatic tie. Both leading teams finished with identical scores, forcing the race committee to apply the tie-breaker rule. The tie-break came down to the number of fourth-place finishes. Francisco Figueroa and Faith Payne (PUR) edged out Ben Brown and Casey Brown (USA) by having two fourth-place finishes compared to the Browns’ one.
As a result, Francisco Figueroa and Faith Payne (PUR) were crowned the 2024 Hobie 16 North American Champions.
The final top three results were:
1. Francisco Figueroa / Faith Payne (PUR) – 2024 Hobie 16 North American Champions
2. Ben Brown / Casey Brown (USA) – Second place
3. Mark Modderman / Jose Justiniano (USA) – Third place
Join us at Pensacola Yacht Club FL in late September for the 2025 Hobie 16 North American Championships.
Results
Gayle Broullard Photo gallery, there are hundreds of great photos to be seen.
