Subscribe RSS
2008 Star Worlds; 1/2 Over and no Clear Winner in Sight
April 15th, 2008 by GretchenThe Star World Championships are underway as we speak. Coral Reef Yacht Club, in sunny Coconut Grove, FL, is hosting this large scale event. 104 boats are competing for the title of 2008 Star World Champion. There is only one race each day, with long courses and tired abdominal muscles for the sailors that are out there. The Star is a very physical boat and requires long periods of hiking to keep the boat flat and fast. Race 4 will take place today and Friday is reserved, in the case where they miss a race day. There are 26 countries competing and for some, this stands as their country’s Olympic qualifier.
The top boats are in tight competition, and Race 2 gave many top boats a Black Flag Penalty, setting them back in the results. It will be interesting to see if the boats in the top can hold their spots, USA 95 and AUS14 tied right now with 27 points. Check it out if you are interested in seeing the results or reading more about the event.
2008 Star Worlds
April 15th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
I have never sailed on a Star, and can’t see why they are such a popular class. Expensive, no spinnaker, extremely low boom, and you sail them upwind hiking with your back barely out of the water and your ankles above your head. I can’t imagine what the view of the fleet etc is like in that position. It seems like there are so many classes that offer high levels of competition, for less money, and much more comfortable to sail.
April 17th, 2008 at 10:49 am
I agree with you, but there are many top guys that make the switch from other classes, so there has to be a thrill there. World Champion Etchells sailor, Jud Smith, America’s Cup sailor, Andy Horton, Former Laser champion, Mark Mendelblatt are just a few of the sailors at this event and all have had their success in other classes. The boat has to be fun or you wouldn’t see so many people participating. However, I prefer to watch this class from afar, with beverage in hand!
April 18th, 2008 at 9:11 am
I’m with you Gretchen, sometimes I do my best sailing from afar, and of course WITH BEVERAGE IN HAND. Thinking about it if you were sailing bow on a Star going up wind how would you even drink a beverage without spilling it all over yourself. Maybe we have discovered a sure fire cure for the hiccups!!!!!