Locals Smith and Davidson Capture U.S. Junior Women's Doublehanded Championship
CORONA DEL MAR, Calif. (June 27, 2013) – Carolyn Smith (Newport Beach, Calif.) and Bayley Davidson (Costa Mesa, Calif.) cashed in on their fourth consecutive attempt to win the Ida Lewis Trophy at the 2013 U.S. Junior Women's Doublehanded Championship, hosted by the Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club. The duo tallied a 3-4-2-4 scoring line in Thursday's third and final day of racing to win the title by eight points over contenders Cassie Obel (Marina del Rey, Calif.) and Annika Garrett (Culver City, Calif.). Smith and Davidson were representing the Newport Harbor Yacht Club and Balboa Yacht Club this week.
Smith and Davidson placed second at least year's U.S. Junior Women's Doublehanded Championship on Lake Minnetonka in Minnesota. They were the most consistent team this week. Smith and Davidson finished outside the top five just twice through 10 races. Making a hard charge today to place third was the team of Elena VandenBerg (Annapolis, Md.) and Lilla Salvesen (Edgewater, Md.). They won Race 9 and finished second in Race 10. Thursday's leaders Alie and Liza Toppa finished fourth (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.).
There were plenty of Black Flags and OCS calls throughout the three-day championship. “Starts are the most crucial part of the entire race," said Smith. "However, finding that happy medium between a competitive start and OCS is difficult."
“It’s our first big win,” exclaimed Davidson, who came up short in last year's championship by one point. “That haunted us,” Smith added.
Winning in their home port in their final U.S. Junior Women's Doublehanded Championship was even sweeter. Smith and Davidson will find themselves on opposing college sailing teams next year. Smith will be attending St. Mary's (Md.) and Davidson is headed for the College of Charleston.
Lucy Wilmot (Orinda, Calif.) and Maya Dornbrand-Lo (Berkeley, Calif.), representing San Francisco, Richmond and Encinal Yacht Clubs, received the C. Thomas Clagett, Jr. Sportsmanship Award by popular vote of their peers.
“Lucy is always cheerful and sees the bright side of things,” said fellow competitor Jessica McJones. “Maya has a great sense of humor, and they are always positive – even when black-flagged."
In the Most Improved category, Kennedy Placek (Mill Valley, Calif.) of San Francisco Yacht Club and crew member Sophie Kerr (Houston, Texas) of Texas Corinthian Yacht Club, were recognized by US Sailing coaches for their dedication to advancing their skill.
Today’s conditions were a marked improvement from yesterday. Hazy skies were accompanied by ample breeze, with light but steady southerly winds for all four races.
For results, final standings, photos and more information on the 2013 U.S. Junior Women’s Doublehanded Championship, please visit the event website.
The U.S. Junior Women’s Doublehanded Championships sponsored by Gill North America and Zim Sailing, and is supported by the C. Thomas Clagett Jr. Trust. This championship is a Sailors for the Sea - Clean Regattas certificated event.
* Race recap content provided by Betsy Crowfoot.
* Please credit to Joy Sailing / BCYC
CONTACTS:
Jake Fish, US Sailing Communications Manager, 401.683.0800 x614,
Betsy Crowfoot, On-site Media Advisor, 805.890.7801,
About US Sailing
The United States Sailing Association (US Sailing), the national governing body for sailing, provides leadership, integrity, and growth for the sport in the United States. Founded in 1897 and headquartered in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, US Sailing is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization. US Sailing offers training and education programs for instructors and race officials, supports a wide range of sailing organizations and communities, issues offshore rating certificates, and provides administration and oversight of competitive sailing across the country, including National Championships and the US Sailing Team Sperry Top-Sider. For more information, please visit www.ussailing.org.
About Gill North America
Gill NA, with headquarters near Atlanta, GA is the exclusive importer and distributor of Gill-brand foul weather gear in North America including Caribbean, US and Canada. Gill is a worldwide apparel and accessories brand serving the marine industry with over three decades of experience. Gill specializes in high tech, breathable waterproof clothing. The company develops and markets a variety of performance-oriented, award-winning apparel and accessories for virtually every type of boating activity with product lines that include foul weather gear; interactive layering systems; footwear; gloves; bags; junior gear; scholastic gear and team wear. Gill products are available through hundreds of independent dealers and select West Marine Stores. For further information, please contact: Gary Barker at 941 505 2111 or
About Zim Sailing
Zim Sailing, headquartered in Warren, R.I. is the fastest growing manufacturer of one-design sailboats in North America. Currently, Zim manufactures and distributes the Optimist, Club 420, CFJ and the Byte CII. Zim’s customers include high schools, colleges, yacht clubs, community sailing centers and the passionate dinghy sailor. Zim boats have won several local, regional, National and North American championships since the company’s creation in 2008. Zim is dedicated to the success and growth of dinghy sailing. Zim’s experienced staff and support vehicles can be found at many regattas. For more information, please visit www.zimsailing.com or email .
About Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club
Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club (BCYC) was founded in 1958, and since then has been named “Club of the Year” by the Southern California Yachting Association seven times: 1994, 1995, 1996, 2005, 2008 and most recently, 2011. BCYC offers cruising, entertainment, social activities and a Junior Sailing program year-round within a family atmosphere, where power and sailboat enthusiasts share a first-class facility at a premiere Newport Harbor waterfront location. In addition to the Club’s comfortable amenities and well-rounded calendar of events, BCYC members enjoy a worldwide privileges with reciprocity in the leading Yacht Clubs around the globe. Southern California offers some of the best sailing conditions in the United States, with sunny weather, calm afternoon breezes and beautiful beaches. For more information on BCYC please visit the website at www.bcyc.org.
