Vero Beach-April 3, 2022: Fifty sail boats, manned by sixty-five sailors from as far away as the Mid-Keys and Lakeland took to the waters south of the 17th Street Bridge in Vero Beach Sunday for the 8th Annual Steve Martin Memorial Regatta sponsored by the Youth Sailing Foundation (YSF). The late Steve Martin was a dedicated instructor and supporter of Youth Sailing Foundation.
After enduring a major wind-shift from west to north-northeast at the start of racing, a steady breeze of 10-12 knots filled-in and made for ideal racing conditions for the junior sailors who ranged in age from 8 to 18.
The thirty-five boat Opti racing fleet sailed in two classes. The more advanced sailors competed in the Gold Fleet, while sailors new to regatta racing made up the Silver Fleet. After having to recall the first race because of the weather frontal passage a major wind-shift, the young elementary school age sailors regrouped and got in six races around the mile-long triangle course. YSF, brought home some impressive hardware with Alex Delamarter taking 2nd place and Skyler Dussan 3rd in the Opti Gold.
The fifteen-boat fleet of high school racers in 2-person 420’s competed on a 2-mile offset windward course well south of the bridge. YSF Board Member and lifelong sailboat racer, Skip Willauer, officiated. Seven races were sailed in three hours of close competition. Note the bow to stern overlap between competitors in the accompanying photo. Skipper Nick Crull with Edee Steinkamp aboard as crew took a 2nd place with skipper Denali Herold and crew Luke Franco bringing home a 3rd place trophy.
YSF’s Director of Sailing, Mary Morgan officiated and served as the overall Race Director.
Youth Sailing Foundation of Indian River County, Inc. is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit devoted to eliminating cultural and financial barriers to sailing. If you would like to learn more about YSF’s free sailing programs contact Executive Director Stu Keiller at: stu.keiller@ysfirc.org or call 772-925-252.