The Techno 293 U.S. National Championship crowned new champions after three days, Aug 3-5, of ideal conditions at Vineyard Haven Yacht Club. Thirty-four competitors travelled from as far as Mexico, USVI, Canada, California, and Florida to compete in Under 19, U17, U15, and U13 age groups. [more]
Jean Sebastian Fugere (16) from Quebec was particularly strong in the winds over 20 knots, and won the U17 class and the overall title. Vineyard Haven favorite, Rasmus Sayre (13), won the U15 title and showed mastery over a wide range of conditions to take second in the fleet overall. Olin Davis from St. Thomas won the U19 class and placed 5th overall. Maximo Nores from Miami YC is the Under 13 champion, which bodes well for MYC’s fast growing windsurf program. Ry Brodsky from West Tisbury, MA took the Silver Fleet in a series of figure eight reaching courses.
Perhaps the highlight for the Gold Fleet was the six-gate downwind slalom races held with gusts over 20. Scream’n reaches, planing jibes, and tight passing had the kids ripping the gates like down hill Snowboard Cross. Video from the first day of competition can be seen here: Techno 293 U.S. Nationals video
The T293 Championship is a US Sailing Junior Olympic event, and with three other JO events now including windsurfing, and more Junior Programs adding Techno 293s to their mix, the numbers of kids windsurfing continues to grow. Not only does this engage more kids, but will serve well to make stronger U.S. teams at the Youth Worlds, Youth Olympics, and at the Olympic level in the future.
Get ready for the July 2011 Techno 293 World Championships, hosted by St. Francis YC, where more than 250 kids from 30 countries are expected. The Techno 293 National Championship was sponsored by BIC Sport, U.S. Sailing, U.S. Windsurfing, the Windsurfing Task Force, West Marine, Gill, Active.com and The Black Dog.
For results go toTechno 293 U.S. Nationals results
To see more photos go to Techno 293 U.S. Nationals photos
To see the video go to Techno 293 U.S. Nationals video
