Wollmann excels in Florida... Smith claims sixth place

Ceci Wollmann sailed an excellent regatta at the Byte CII North American Championship in Stuart, Florida over the weekend.

Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club’s Wollmann was crowned  female champion after placing 15th out of 28 boats with three top-10 finishes.

Christian Noe, Wollmann’s coach, said in a press release: “We have spent a lot of time with the batten tension over the past several months to perfect the sail shape based on the breeze.

“We find that video of our training has really helped show the sailors how every little mistake can add up to be a big difference.” Bermuda’s highest finisher in Florida was Benn Smith, of Spanish Point Boat Club and Royal Bermuda Yacht Club, who finished sixth overall.

Smith claimed six top-10 finishes, which included a fine win in the fifth race.

The North American Championship was also a qualifier for this year’s Youth Olympics to be held in Nanjing, China. And while Wollmann had already qualified, Smith missed out on sealing his place by just one spot at the weekend.

The other Bermudian in action in Florida was Peter Dill, of RHADC, who finished 13th with three top-10 finishes.

The overall winner was the US’ Henry Marshall.