American Yacht Club Hosts Optimist Regatta

On Saturday, July 10^th, over seventy-five optimists sailed in three fleets during the annual AYC Optimist Invitational Regatta. With blue skies, fair weather and a moderate breeze, the regatta experienced smooth sailing throughout the day. Twenty-five of the sailors hailed from the Host Club and proudly presented the JAYC program.

The Blue fleet fielded a competitive forty-one boats with six AYC sailors placing in the top eight positions. Matt Habig of LYC earned three bullets in three races followed by Jeff Gordon of AYC with two Seconds and Third. Placing Third, Fourth and Fifth were fellow AYC sailors, Beth LaBossiere, William Florio and Connor O’Sullivan. The younger White sleet sailors, twenty-five strong, also completed three races and, once again, AYC was well represented with five American sailors placing in the top eight spots. Securing top honors was Merritt Cullman with two First’s and a Second. Second and Third places were awarded to LYC sailor Andrew Mollerus and BPYC sailor Harry Koeppel. AYC took Fourth and Fifth places with strong efforts by Charles Bocklet and Temerson Alexander. The skilled Red fleet, consisting of eleven sailors, completed four races. Alex Takata of Larchmont Yacht Club lead the way with two Firsts and two Seconds, while teammates Matt Zupon and Alex Lubben finished Second and Fourth respectively. Drew Hall and Jimmy Kukual of RPYC finished Third and Fifth.

In addition to their racing prowess, sailors were also recognized for their sportsmanship. This year, two trophies were awarded. One of which was given to Sarah Stubbs of AYC who informed the Race Committee that she had finished on the wrong side of the committee boat in her first race. The other award went to Drew Hall of Rocky Point for coming to the aid of a sailor whose boat was caught up near rocks.

Lastly, numerous volunteers dedicated their time and energy to ensure that this year’s event ran smoothly and safely. In particular, a special thanks goes to Principal Race Officer, Rich Hulit, the AYC Race Committee, Regatta Chairs Peter and Heike Hein, and of course, to the dependable AYC staff.