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Final
The final two races of the World Masters were held in perfect conditions. The morning race was held in 6-8 knots of breeze with Giorgio Brezich/Lorenzo Soppani of Italy leading the race wire-to-wire. The breeze increased slightly for the 2nd race, held immediately afterwards, in 8-10 knots and hiking conditions.
Augie Diaz with Pam Kelly crewing, wins yet another World Championship title. This is Augie's 3rd World Masters title and he also is the top Apprentice Master. Bibi Juetz and Dante Bianchi of Brazil were 2nd overall and Grand Master winner. Terry Timm and Mandi Smith of the US were 3rd overall and top Master.
Division winners:
Apprentice Master 45-54 years
Augie Diaz/Pam Kelly, USA
Peter Commette/Barb Evans, USA
Enrico Michel/Giovanni Turrazza, ITA
Master 55-64 years
Terry Timm/Mandi Smith, USA
Robert Dunkley/MIchelle Hope, BAH
Jimmie/Lori Lowe, BAH
Grand Master 65 and older
Bibi Juetz/Dante Bianchi, BRA
Giorgio Brezich/Lorenzo Soppani, ITA
Jerry Thompson/Janett Krefting, USA
Friday, October 6
The first race began on time at 10:30am in 8-10 knots. Commette/Evans and Diaz/Kelly rounded 1-2 and had a great duel the entire race, with an ensuing tacking duel on the last leg. Diaz/Kelly were able to push Commette/Evans back while Johan Melaender of Norway slipped into second. Timm/Smith finished 4th and Giorgio Brezich of Italy rounded out the top 5.
One more race is scheduled for Friday afternoon.
Thursday, October 5
The RC started the first race at 9am in 8-10 knots of breeze. Terry Timm and Mandy Smith of the US led 3/4 of the race until relinquishing the lead to Peter Commette/Barb Evans and Augie Diaz/Pam Kelly, also of the US. Because this was the scheduled layday, the organizers had a committment on a fast boat to the Exumas to carry all competitors. In the Exumas, the competitors enjoyed the pristine waters, sharks and rays and relaxation.
Wednesday October 5
Brainard Cooper and the R/C Chairman Thierry Huguenin made a valient attempt to get a race off today. The R/C sent the fleet out after a postponement on shore, and the group sailed around in 15+ knots. After one hour on the water, the R/C sent everyone in for a postponement on shore, but it was not to be. The breeze would not let up and everyone's getting ready for the famous Bacardi Party.
Tomorrow the breeze is predicted to be lighter in the morning and the RC will have a 9:30 am start attempting to get two races in before the predicted breeze kicks back in around 2:00.
Monday, October 3
The Bahamians, as always, started the World Masters with a bang! Held on the porch of the Royal Nassau Sailing Club, the Bahamas Police Band played calypso songs and national anthems while the rum flowed freely in the 25 knots of breeze. 10 countries flags were raised on the dock with the competitors paraded down the dock in grand style. Conch fritters and other munchies were served and people mingled rekindling old friendships and making new ones. Forecast is for breeze – possibly too much to sail. Stay tuned for more color commentary.
 
Norwegian and Bahamian Snipe sailors Jimmie Lowe and Birger Jansen have been talking for the past few years about making smaller sails for the Snipe to help junior sailors sail more. So on the first day of the Masters, with too much wind for Master sailors to sail, Past Commodores Jimmie Lowe and Giorgio Brezich (about the size of junior sailors - 265lbs) teamed up with the shorter sails to test the boat out. With a large spectator group watching, the two veteran sailors took the boat out in 18-20 knots with no problem. Jimmie said the boat was stabilized well and they flew downwind. He'd like to try a regular jib, as the boat seemed to want to round up. Jimmie hopes to have some juniors try these sails on Thursday in more moderate breeze. Stay tuned!
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