Thank you for giving me the opportunity to sail the 2021 Club 420 US National Championship in Brant Beach, New jersey. This was my first time there and I loved the venue. I was very excited to sail this regatta because of what I have heard about it by past competitors. They were gracious enough to have warned me about the seaweed and shallow water. This definitely helped because I did not want to snap a centerboard or capsize.

After getting a week’s break in California, it was time for my crew Kennedy and I to fly out to Eastern Yacht Club in Marblehead to compete in the Doublehanded US National Youth Championship for the Bemis trophy. This year my intent was to defend my title. However, the forecast was not very promising.

This year the C420 Nationals were held in Brant Beach, NJ. Typically the venue has a superb sea breeze. As a bigger team, we were looking forward to this event. However, the forecast did not look great. Our first practice day was spent drifting in two knots. It was also very hot and shifty. The first day of the regatta was light. However, we managed to fit in three races. We were happy with how our first day went. We were in the hunt. 

Once my crew Kennedy Leehealey and I wrapped up some training in Rhode Island, it was time to take the long car ride to Rochester, NY, for the C420 North Americans. I had just been in Rochester for the Rose Cup, so it was a familiar venue.

Thank you so much again for all of your support in my sailing events. The C420 South Shore Championship in Long Island, NY, was my last planned event for the summer, but unfortunately,  after a quick trip to the ER and a couple of stitches, I found myself sitting this regatta out. Nonetheless, it was still a good experience, as my brother Nathan was still able to sail, I got to go out on a race committee boat with Rear Commodore Steve to watch, and most importantly of all, I learned to deal with disappointment and frustration.

I wanted to thank NHSF for making it possible for me to spend my summer on the east coast. I spent time from June-August participating in Brooke Gonzalez, New Englands, North Americans, Nationals, CJ Buckley.