Sunday, February 21, 2010

Ecklund Goes On To Win



Photos by Joy/Megles 20
Post sponsored by CAMET Clothing

Ecklund Goes On To Win The Audi Melges 20 Winter Series Event No. 2, Continues To Lead Overall Series

February 21, 2010 (Miami, Fla.) - Congratulations to Jeff Ecklund (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.) on STAR with Harry Melges and Barr Batzer as crew. They are 2010 Audi Melges 20 Miami Winter Series Event No. 2 Champions. In second overall is Eric Wynsma (East Grand Rapids, Mich.) on Superfly, and in third was Michael Kiss (Holland, Mich.) on Bacio.

Four more races were added to Saturday’s two, completing an incredible six race series at the second of three Audi Melges 20 Miami Winter Series events, hosted by Coconut Grove Sailing Club, supported by Shake-A-Leg Miami and Melges Performance Sailboats. The day started out under beautiful, sunny conditions that gradually turned overcast as the event drew to a close. Breeze conditions were light to moderate all day at 125, providing plenty of opportunity for some really great racing.

Ecklund came on strong from the very start, ending the day with a 1-1-4-1 scoreline for a total of 6 points to win. Barr Batzer, who calls Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. home, was privileged to sail with Ecklund and Melges. "This boat is pretty awesome, even in the light air. I’d love to sail it again in a little bit more breeze,” said Batzer after racing.

Wynsma did his best to contend with Ecklund. "All day was great. We had a blast. The last race was the most fun. We had a little jibing dual going on with Ecklund," he commented after racing. Race three of the day was Wynsma's best race. A tough start equaled a clear lane on the right, placing him out front of the fleet with speed. He held his own, taking the win.

In third overall, Kiss was thrilled with his finish. "I had a great team between my brother Stephen and Jamie Kimball. After we figured out the boat speed everything was great," commented Kiss. "We'll be back for the March event for sure."

Thank you to all the participants. Without you these events would not be the great success that they are. A very special thanks to Regatta Chair Ron Rostorfer who once more did an outstanding job of organizing the event and Coconut Grove Sailing Club was the absolute perfect host. Enough praise cannot be given to Bruce Golison and his hard-working race committee who clearly worked their magic to make this event the best yet.

Many kind thanks to Melges Performance Sailboats as both Harry Melges and Andy Burdick were right there assisting and supporting racers with anything and everything they needed! Thank you MELGES!

The final event of the Audi Melges 20 Miami Winter Series is Bacardi Miami Sailing Week on March 10-13. If you have not registered, please do so now. Register Online.

TOP TEN RESULTS (FINAL)
1.) Jeff Ecklund, STAR; 2-1-1-1-[4]-1 = 6
2.) Eric Wynsma, Superfly; 1-[7]-3-3-1-2 = 10
3.) Michael Kiss, Bacio; 9-2-[11]-5-2-3 = 21
4.) Erwyn Naidoo, Bohica; 5-[13]-2-11-3-6 = 27
5.) Mary Anne Ward, M&M Sailing Team; 7-5-5-2-[12]-11 = 30
6.) Robert Wilber, Cinghiale; 3-[11]-10-4-10-4 = 31
7.) Chris Dold/Peter Kozicz, CAN-142; 6-[12]-12-6-5-5 = 34
8.) Joel Ronning, USA-148; 10-4-6-8-[13]-10 = 38
9.) Erik Post, Vaya Con Dios; 11-3-8-[14]-9-8 = 39
10.) John Arendhorst, Blink; 12-6-4-[12]-8-12 = 42

View Full Results