US Sailing Team Jumps Up Across the Board In Miami On Day Two

While light and tricky conditions remained prevalent on the second day of ISAF Sailing World Cup Miami, Presented by Sunbrella, American sailors and US Sailing Team Sperry athletes continued to turn in strong performances across multiple classes. This event serves as the first of two U.S. Olympic and Paralympic selection regattas for nine classes, and the pressure to turn in a peak performance is palpable both in boat parks and on race courses in Miami.

Leading the way for the US Sailing Team Sperry was the veteran men’s 470 pair of two-time Olympian Stu McNay (Providence, R.I.) and Dave Hughes (Miami, Fla.). The day could not have gone better for the reigning North American and European Champions, and they walked away with two wins in two races. “We were quite happy with our day, but each race was definitely a battle throughout,” said McNay. Hughes noted that the 21-boat fleet size, combined with the high quality of competition, was optimal practice for the Olympic Games. “You always want as many boats as possible at the event, but this size is relevant to the Olympic regatta, and just getting used to racing in that type of fleet. Top quality players are here, and it’s wonderful to have an event like this in home waters.”

In the Men’s Laser, North American Champion Charlie Buckingham (Newport Beach, Calif.) cut his position in half, jumping from 32nd overall to 14th. Buckingham scored a 5th in the first race of the day, but found himself deep in the fleet on the second race before recovering to 17th. “Considering the conditions,” said Buckingham, “I was happy to come away with a decent average.”

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