US 470 Nationals 2008

The Sarasota Sailing Squadron hosted the 2008 470 Nationals Regatta in March this year.  The regatta was preceded by a three day clinic taught by Olympic Gold Medalist, Allison Jolly.  The 6 day event included 11 boats from all over North America.  Two boats called southern Florida home, 2 boats hailed from Houston Texas, 1 from Victoria British Columbia, and 6 boats from the Midwest.  The Midwest boats included two from MCSC: Doug Drake, Joe Fillingham, and John and Jeanne Michael, and one from Milwaukee Yacht Club: Patti McMahn and Susie Rieck.  

The regatta began in moderate weather with a 10 knot north west breeze allowing the fleet to race 3 full races in the open Gulf.  Day two was a bit more fickle with variable winds and occasional rain showers allowing only 2 races in the bay between Lido Key and the main land.  The final day brought heavy air reaching to 25 knots with only 2 races after at least 3 capsizes.  These incidents allowed for the changing of a few different places by the end of day 3.  

With former Olympian Allison Jolly and her crew Molly, a US sailing team member, on the course there was little chance of fighting for first place however the drama followed in fights for second and forth place.  The top five places were rounded out with 2 midwest boats: Hunter Ratliff and Chris "Topher" Williams, and Doug Drake and Joe Fillingham taking 3rd and 5th respectively.  

The midwest 470 fleet is hoping to have another full season of racing with regattas scheduled on Opeka, Lake Carlyle, the Milwaukee Yacht Club, and at MCSC.