by Chuck Carroll and Bruce Koch

The 2024 North American Championships, hosted by the Fort Walton Yacht Club from November 8–10, brought three days of exhilarating competition and camaraderie to sailors and spectators alike. Known for its casual southern hospitality, the Club exceeded expectations with its scenic waterfront, exceptional amenities, outstanding event coordination and race management. Attendees enjoyed daily breakfasts and dinners prepared by the club, adding a layer of comfort to the high-energy weekend.

The event saw 18 Weta trimarans take to the starting line in two separate fleets, 13 single-handers and five double-handers. We had participants from Florida, Louisiana, North Carolina and California. The seasoned race committee ensured smooth operations throughout all the races, delivering an experience worthy of a North American Championship event.

Day 1: A Perfect Kick-Off

Friday kicked off the Championship with winds from the SE between 4–10 knots, temperatures in the upper 70’s and a slight chop providing Sailors with various conditions and challenging races. The first two of four scheduled races were in moderate breeze allowing sailors to focus on fine-tuning their strategies and setting the tone for the weekend. After attempting to start the third race, the PRO abandon the race due to a lack of wind. A light breeze filled in after about 15 minutes and both Fleets were able to complete the third and final race of the day. The day’s racing was followed by adult beverages and a tasty Fish & Chips supper on the Club’s back patio. Competition was tight with Bob Hodges in first leading Alan Taylor by two points who in turn led Chuck Carroll by two points in second and third respectively. Over in the Double Handed Fleet Phil Styne and Gareth Ferguson were beginning a break out in first. But as an omen of things to come, Linda Wright and Terry Richardson won the third race of the day. They seemed a distant 4 points behind in second after day 1.

Days 2: A Sportier Challenge

Saturday morning dawned with mostly cloudy skies, winds out of the SSE between 11–15 knots, temperatures in the mid 70’s and a moderate chop…testing sailors’ skills and endurance. The sportier conditions gave us fast racing and thrilling action on the water. Close races and tactical duels ensued, keeping the competition fun and intense. Both fleets were able to complete all four of the scheduled races. A great day of great sailing was followed by adult beverages on the back deck and a delicious dinner featuring Richard Kiczek most excellent lasagna recipe. Racing results saw Bob Hodges, Alan Taylor and Chuck Carroll remaining in the top three positions, but John Cramer and Kip Keelin were lurking not far behind. In the Double Handers, Linda Wright and Terry Richardson had gained and surprassed Styne/Ferguson and ended the day with a 2 point lead in first. Corky Pittsenberger and Aiden Beatty were carving out a solid 3rd place.

Day 3: A Sportier Sporty Challenge

Day three of the Championship provided us with overcast skies, temperatures in the upper 60’s and winds out of the SSW at 15 knots, gusting to 20; outstanding conditions to race a Weta! After racing four races on Sunday, the single-handed fleet completed all 11 scheduled races and the double-handed fleet completing 3 for a total of 10 for the 2024 Championship. The double-handers had quite the battle for first place. Phil Styne and Gareth Ferguson made a determined comeback attempt, but it wasn't quite enough. Linda and Terry squeezed out first place by 1 point. With racing complete and Sailors packing for home, we enjoyed an outstanding pork barbeque that some other group, fortunately for us, missed out on! While we all indulged in the excellent lunch, it was time for the awards.

Final Results- 2024 Weta North American Championships

Single-handed Fleet

1st – Bob Hodges, Pontchartrain Yacht Club

2nd – Alan Taylor, Carolina Sailing Club

3rd- Chuck Carroll, Carolina Sailing Club

4th – John Cramer, Fort Walton Yacht Club 

Double-handed Fleet

1st – Linda Wright/Terry Richardson, Fort Walton Yacht Club

2nd – Gareth Ferguson, Kitty Hawk, NC/Phil Styne Corinthian Yacht Club (San Francisco)

3rd – Corky Pittsenberger/Aiden Beatty, Fort Walton Yacht Club

You can see the full results here. (https://nextsailor.com/docs/files/31/2024_Weta_NAC_Results.htm)

On the Water Display of Determination

It is a right of passage to push the Weta in sporty conditions and wind up turtled.  While several of us can speak of stuffed bows and rudders coming out of the water this weekend, Bill Croughwell joined the elite group of racers who have capsized in competition and so joined the Weta Royal Order of the Turtle.  

Thank you FWYC

The Fort Walton Yacht Club once again proved why it’s a favorite destination for sailing events, delivering a championship that left participants and spectators eager to return. These events are no small task and we truly appreciate all the work that goes into making an event like this possible. We would like to thank all the Sailors and all the Volunteers who made it so enjoyable. 

Thank you also to Dan Gross for the Drone Video and Tandra Brant for the photo