Youth Sailing Foundation captures first in class at Prestigious South Atlantic Interscholastic Sailing Association Regatta (SAISA South Points #6)
A team of three Youth Sailing Foundation sailors swept to a First-Place finish in the JV Division of the prestigious SAISA South Points #6 Regatta on Saturday, March 5. The win was a historic first for YSF’s young racing program. The all-day regatta drew top scholastic sailors from seventeen Florida high schools to Tampa’s Davis Island Yacht Club. Sailed in a gusting 15-knot breeze on Tampa Bay, the racing was fast and challenging.
YSF was represented by Nick Crull, Michael Ladd, and Edee Steinkamp racing in YSF’s Club 420 racing dinghy “SAPPHIRE”. Sailing Director Mary Morgan traveled with the team to provide coaching and support.
The format required a change of skippers after every two races. YSF skippers Michael Ladd and Nick Crull rotated the helm position with Edee Steinkamp aboard as crew during five hours of racing. All three are 8th graders, racing against seasoned high school sailors. A total of 12 races were held with seven boats and 28 sailors competing. The competition was fierce with a margin of victory of one point or less than one minute in elapsed time after hours of racing.
Youth Sailing Foundation is a 501 (C) (3) non-profit founded in 2009 by Charlie Pope. YSF’s mission is to provide free sailing instruction to the children of Indian River County. Over 400 children register to sail each year. Sailing builds confidence and self-esteem. It requires focus, resilience and perseverance; essential building blocks for a successful life. Please visit www.ysfirc.org to learn more and to donate.