Bill Abbott (CAN) Leads Strong Fleet to Win Championship

We have a new gold standard – move over Jesper Bank and Jochen Schumann – here’s Bill Abbott! Five firsts.

Dave Curtis, Gustavo Warburg and Dave Franzel were all sailing very well – and a host of lesser champions – so it wasn’t easy – Bill just made it look that way. Bronze medalist Paul Davis in the middle helped – and a very eager son who has the genes to be a quick study.

The final race was conducted in the week’s best conditions, 12-16 knots with big waves and an underlying swell. Bill had some trouble getting off the line but he went the right way as the previous leaders were passed by ten boats that hit the right corner and were rewarded with a ten minute duration 30 degree veer. Gustavo Warburg was first at the weather mark but Bill was not far behind – and Dave Curtis who had gone left was about eighth. Curtis made it back up through the fleet as Bill took over the lead and on the surfing legs of this long course, disappeared once again. Curtis passed Gustavo on the third beat to take second and John Gochberg (USA)- who loves the heavy air was fourth.

A wonderful championship – all due to the great efforts of Joanne and Dave Curtis. What a venue – the Fabulous Eastern Yacht Club in one of America’s loveliest sites – Marblehead – great race management and fine sailing waters!

Top 10 Overall