2023 US12 National Championship Regatta (NCR)
By Ron Stephanz

Sun Coast Model Sailing Club hosted the 2023 US12 National Championship in Punta Gorda, FL on April 1, 2023. Originally scheduled to be a two day regatta, limited entries allowed the entire fleet to race together. It was decided to shorten the regatta to just one day (with refund of half the entry fee).The weather cooperated giving us winds ranging from 5-14mph allowing for 20 races.

Kurt Martin won the regatta by one point, beating out Don Ouimette. Coming in third was Calvin Obara. Close racing was the order of the day. Kurt started out slowly. It wasn't until the ninth race he recorded his first bullet. He sailed extremely well the rest of the way for his narrow victory. Congratulations Kurt! Don Ouimette sailed consistently well, with only a 6th and a 5th for his two throw-outs. Calvin Obara started out hot but showed signs of fatigue later in the day. 20 races will do that to you.

These graceful yachts provide extremely competitive racing. They are not as nimble as some of the other classes but they do provide the momentum necessary to shoot the windward mark when needed. Weeds do not prevent these full keel boats from sailing.

A hearty "Thank You" goes out to the numerous SCMSC volunteers for their efforts that made this a successful regatta. Everything from mark watchers, finish recorders, rescue boat and food presentation allowing the skippers the opportunity to concentrate on racing. The race management was handled skillfully by Chad Kasten and the Sun Coast crew including Dave Petersen, Dick Anderson, Phil Sanders and Slip Newfield.

Summary of 2023 US12 NCR, Gold Chevrons
Date: April 1, 2023
Location: Punta Gorda, FL
Host Club: Sun Coast Model Sailing Club
# of Entries: 11
Winds: 5-14mph with sporadic gusts to 18
Races Completed: 20
Scoring System: Low Point System
Regatta Committee & Valuable Assistants: Chad Kasten RD; Dave Petersen Starter; Paul Newfield Scorer; Pauline Lacroix Breakfast and Lunches; Dick Anderson Rescue; and other SCMSC volunteers.