Published on March 17th, 2019 – A record 86 O'pen BIC sailors hailing from Hawaii to Bermuda to Germany competed in the 2019 O'pen BIC North Americans on March 15-17 in San Diego, CA.
The "Un-Regatta" format included both conventional racing and unorthodox courses. Compulsory maneuvers and course obstacles challenged the sailors' boat handling and tactical ability in a fun and entertaining way.
Thirteen races were held on Mission Bay, with Kelly Holthus (USA) taking the title by six points over Genevieve Lau (BER) with Shane Tillson (USA) in third. Owen Fretwell (USA) won the U13 title, finishing seventh overall.
In addition to thirteen races, a spirited freestyle expression session was held on the second day of competition, with 51 O'pen BICs entering. A very close decision by the judges crowned "Squiggles" (aka Samantha Soares of Bermuda) as the 2019 Freestyle Champion. Sammy stole the show by playing to the crowd with creative balance moves and her unique "bottoms up" move on the rail.