February SITREP
Racing with U.S. Patriot Sailing and another month closer to France
Earlier this month I had the privilege of representing U.S. Patriot Sailing in the Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta Series in St. Petersburg, FL from 18-20 February. Along with three other military veterans, we raced on the team’s Melges 24 named Patriot IV in a competitive fleet of eight boats.
Thank you Paul Todd from Outside Images for the photos
This three-day regatta saw 215 boats racing with over 1,000 sailors competing across four different race courses. It became the largest fleet in the regatta’s 34-year history. The weekend started off with thick fog and light air, but once the wind filled in on Friday afternoon, we had excellent racing conditions. Eight races were completed over three days on the water and our crew was consistently in the fight for podium finishes. Many races ended with “photo finishes” of multiple boats crossing the line so quickly, only the race committee could determine the finish order.
I am proud of our team’s consistent improvement throughout the regatta. It was exciting to see the crew push each other in a positive manner on the race course and during the debriefs. Our mission for the regatta was to support military veterans through the sport of sailing while also representing the team honorably on and off the race course. I believe we achieved both objectives, in addition to racing competitively, making the event overall a tremendous success.
Jane and I trailered the Melges 24 from Annapolis down to Florida and back. As with any travel to a distant regatta, it took a lot of planning, preparation, and hours of driving on the highway. It was a great experience supporting the team and to once again represent U.S. Patriot Sailing on the race course.
Since returning to Annapolis, time has been dedicated to campaign planning and fundraising. We are on track for a successful qualification season ahead of the 2023 Mini Transat but we still need your support to make it to the starting line!
Please consider donating through my GoFundMe page or mail a check to P.O. Box 5928, Annapolis, MD 2140.
Every donation really helps!
This season’s major costs are administrative race fees and logistical expenses associated competing in another country for the summer. So far, the race entry fees are deposited and most of the housing is secured in preparation for this season. This year we are also focusing on optimizing the boat’s potential. While Terminal Leave is currently out of the water this winter, she will be getting the bottom, keel, and rudders professional painted. This will improve speed and reduce the amount of hull growth while in the water. Bottom paint is very common on Classe Minis. With multiple races in a row during the season and each race requiring boats to be in the water for almost a week during safety inspections, bottom paint will be an investment for the upcoming seasons. The potential speed tradeoff for no bottom paint is just not worth the gains from a clean hull, especially in the warmer waters this summer.
I look forward to speaking next month at the Corinthian Yacht Club of Philadelphia (18 Feb) and the Independence Seaport Museum in Philadelphia the following month (9 Apr). If your club is interested in hearing about my story and the upcoming adventure, let me know! More than happy to make a visit before I leave for France in late April.
Thank you for your support. Please continue to help by telling your friends and family about my mission!
