07/08/2019
I first want to say congrats to Damien Seguin for winning his fifth Para World championships in the 2.4. I wish I could have made it over there. But, on the other side of the pond in beautiful Kingston, Canada, we had the North American 2.4 Championships. We had 16 boats, just 2 short of the worlds and a very competitive regatta in varying conditions.
The regatta went up and down, and finished up for me. First day I was lucky enough to lead with a 2,1,1 over Allan Leibel with a 1,2,2. Then it all came apart. While rounding the top mark of race 1 on the final day, my starboard steering peddle hinge broke. I thought that was it as that would be hard for me to fix. I told the race committee that I was done for the day.
I had a safety boat help me to the dock and was talking to the crew that if I could find a squirrel that could get under and change the hinge, I might be able to get back out... Jeff, without hesitation offer Riel, his 10 year old son to do the work.
We got to the dock, with 3 people working, got the tools, and hinge. Riel went to work and saved the day. I got a high speed tow out to the race course and finish the series with a 1,1,3. With the throw out was able to win my 4th 2.4 NA championship in a row. All because of Riel.
Riel received my keeper trophy and was very happy to help..
Results:
https://results.kingstonyachtclub.com/…
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Audrey Kobayasi ran a wonderful event at her home Kingston Yacht Club and arranged an incredible sponsor:
