The excitement of dinghy racing reached its peak as the Grant Thornton Dinghy Season Championship came to a thrilling close with the Hope Ross Series Day 2 on Saturday, May 4th, marking an exhilarating end to the season.
Hosted by the Sint Maarten Yacht Club, the Hope Ross Series was the last leg of the Grant Thornton Season Championship. This prestigious championship featured four exciting two-day series along with a standalone regatta, showcasing the talents of sailors across various classes. The championship included the Soons Series, the Aberson Series, the multiclass regatta, the Hoedemaker Series, and finally, the Hope Ross Series. Over nine intense race days, dinghy enthusiasts battled it out for the win in individual races.
The ninth race day (the second and final day of the Hope Ross Series) witnessed 18 competitors racing in the Laser and Optimist classes. “Normally the Dinghy races take place in the afternoon but this time we sailed in the morning! The weather was reasonable, with light wind but still sailable. It is always a great view to see a group of eager competitors out on the water,” said Windy, Sailing instructor, and race officer at the Sint Maarten Yacht Club.
In total, nine competitors competed in the Laser class. After both race days, Pascal Belle from MDA took third place in the series. Massimo Lapierre representing The Sint Maarten Yacht Club took second place. After the first race day, he was in third, so he rose one position. Emilien Le Norman secured his first spot earned after the first race day and took the win in the class.
In the Optimist class, nine sailors also competed for the win. In the end, Harper Treadwell from the Sint Maarten Yacht Club came third after the two race days. Oskar Jarret Versteegden, also from the Sint Maarten Yacht Club, secured his second position he earned after the first race day. Nathan Shepard, also from the Sint Maarten Yacht Club, kept his first position after the first day and won the Optimist Class.
For comprehensive results of the Hope Ross Series and the overall Championship, visit the official Sint Maarten Yacht Club website.
While the Dinghy Championship has reached its conclusion, the excitement continues with the upcoming Dinghy National Championship on June 15th and 16th, 2024, promising two days of thrilling racing. More information and registration will follow soon!