LYC Sailors Compete for U.S. Team Race Championship

September 25-27, 2009

Marion, MA

 

LYC sailors composed parts of three teams at the 2009 Hinman Trophy, U.S. Sailing’s team race national championship, held September 25-27, 2009 at Beverly YC.  This year’s event was marked by high winds and a changing of the guard in the team race hierarchy, as the three-time defending champions were dethroned and perennial contender Team LYC slipped to the bronze fleet after suffering injuries on Day 1 of the regatta.  LYC sailors Sean and Susan Doyle, competing as part of Team Tall Boyz, sailed fast all weekend to finish third overall. 

 

   Sean and Susan Doyle (far right) and the rest of the Tall Boyz receive

   their bronze medals for finishing third overall at the 2009 Hinman.

 

Held this year on the breezy waters of Buzzards Bay, the Hinman Trophy attracts the country’s best dinghy sailors and team racers, who apply by sailing resume to challenge for the title.  Nearly two thirds of the 96 sailors competing were former intercollegiate All Americans, including several former college sailors of the year and Olympic hopefuls.  Team LYC, consisting of Danny Pletsch, Cardwell Potts, Ryan Costello, Maggie Lumkes, Julia Southworth and Melissa Pumphrey, had their hopes of returning to the podium derailed on Day 1 when Potts suffered a knee injury in 20+ knots that prevented him from competing. 

 

   Team LYC (white sails) leading a race on Friday in windy conditions. 

   Photo by Chris Love

 

Team Tall Boyz, featuring six former Harvard All Americans, including LYC sailors Sean and Susan Doyle, advanced to the semifinals where they lost to eventual winners Team Extreme.  Tall Boyz rebounded in the petit-finals to defeat Team SDYC (San Diego YC) to finish third.  David Meleney and Elizabeth Hawkins also competed as members of Team Trouble.  For results, photos and videos, please visit the US Sailing website and SailGroove.