Photo by Leigh Green

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Youth sailors came in 1st, 2nd and 3rd places in the highly competitive 2nd Annual Veterans Day Regatta last weekend.

“The launch, racing and recovery all came off like clockwork with all the young sailors demonstrating incredible skill and seamanship,” a Youth Sailing Foundation of Indian River County news release stated. “Kiwanis Club of Vero-Treasure Coast was on hand to cook and serve almost 300 hamburgers and hot dogs to hungry competitors and parents, and the great day of competitive sailing wrapped up with the awards ceremony on the banks of the beautiful Indian River Lagoon.”

The event was held last Sunday, Nov. 11, marking the 100th anniversary of the World War I Armistice, along with the Vero Beach Centennial. A total of 56 sailboats along with 72 sailors competed in the much anticipated event.

About 100 spectators watched as several racing sailboats gathered near the city’s water treatment plant. Officials said eight Youth Sailing Foundation sailors representing three different racing fleets came in top ranks after the competition.

YSF skipper, or captain Brendan Williams, and crew member Sean Onorato placed 1st in the 420 class. Skipper Nita Holloway and crew member Cate Lovelady took 2nd place, officials said.

For the Opti Silver Class, brothers Merrit and Thomas Kennedy ranked 1st and 2nd place. Nick Crull took 3rd place, officials said.

Shae Riley of the YSF’s Shelby Racing Team finished in 3rd place in the highly competitive Opti Gold fleet.

More than 25 YSF volunteers worked on advance preparations and helped coordinate race day activities, officials said. Experienced boaters manned the waters to ensure safety for competitors while an on-water scoring team tallied the final results.

Photos provided by Youth Sailing Foundation of IRC and Leigh Green