The Youth Sailing Foundation of Indian River County traveled to Fort Meyers to visit the Edison Sailing Center and compete in the 2021 River Romp Regatta. This year’s Junior Olympic sanctioned event was attended by more than 150 sailors from across south Florida. These dedicated sailors were sailing in 5 different fleets across three different race courses. US Sailing’s Junior Olympic Sailing Program is a Regatta for youth ages 8 to 18. The goal of these events is to encourage young sailors to enjoy sailing, to develop their sailing skills and become lifetime sailors.
The Green Fleet is comprised of entry level sailors who are still learning basic controls and maneuverability while racing. Aston Evers and Skylar Dussan represented YSF while sailing their Optimist, also known as the ‘Opti’ single handed sailboat. These boats are great training devices to instruct “green” sailors on techniques. Both Evers and Dussan acquitted themselves well finishing in the middle of a very competitive fleet.
Alex Delamarter has been sailing for YSF for a little over a year. He spent last year preparing himself sailing in the green fleet. This year he is completing in the RWB fleet, also known as the Red, White and Blue fleet. This fleet is comprised of experienced sailors who are also sailing Optimist single handed boats. This fleet is broken into age groups. Alex had a great day finishing 3rd in his age group.
The final course was comprised of the experienced sailors. On this course, the sailors had the opportunity to sail either a C420 (double handed boat) or a Laser (single handed boat). YSF was represented by Nick Crull sailing a Radial Laser. The Laser hull is comprised of three different sail sizes. The Radial laser is the middle-sized sail. Nick experienced an action-packed day with constant shifts if windspeed and direction while navigating the 3-mile race course. He finished a very competitive 5th in the radial division.
All four sailors were supported by YSF’s Assistant Sailing Director, Roberto Ayala. Coach Roberto spent the day traveling between all three courses ensuring each sailor was competing at their maximum level. Next-up for the YSF Racing Team is the 11th annual Halloween Howler in Miami at the historic Coconut Grove Yacht Club.
Youth Sailing Foundation of Indian River County, Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit devoted to eliminating cultural and financial barriers to sailing. Numerous youth programs are offered free throughout the year to the children of Indian River County. For more information or to make a tax-deductible donation, please visit: www.ysfirc.org.