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JK3’s very own Julie Ardagna competes in the US Women’s Match Racing NationalsUS Women’s Match Racing Nationals
St. Thomas Yacht Club, USVI
November 11 – 15, 2009
Written by Annie Nelson | Photos by: Teri McKenna.
THE USWMR was held at STYC, just off the outside moorings in a small bay. Location, location, location was at the top of our list for wanting to compete there. Oh yeah, and competing against the best in the country in the newest Olympic sport for women in sailing! We were 4th on the waiting list for the 8 skippers that are invited to compete. While we waited, we trained in the bay against locals Bob Capita and SDYC member Chris Nesbitt who won the POW qualifiers this summer.
Our four person team consisted of Annie Nelson (skipper), Liz Hyorth (tactician), Julie Ardagna (trimmer), and Julie Mitchell (bow chick). We arrived before the other crews and sailed on Stinger, John Holmberg’s IC24, and took a full day learning the boat with a sail to St. John for a late lunch as a reward. An IC24 is a modified J/24 and a Caribbean innovation, born by the ideas of St. Thomas’ Chris Rosenberg and brought to life by fellow islander Morgan Avery. My good friend Teri McKenna from my Hobie days housed us, and took photos on the first race day. Peter Holmbeg was part of the RC and a great resource, so most mornings I’d find him to ask questions and then go out and try the moves.
Day One – Our first race was abandoned due to lack if wind, however we had a huge lead and even passed the pair in front of us in the extremely light conditions. As we passed Anna Tunnicliffe she asked why we so fast and we replied because we are from San Diego!
The wind clocked a full 360 before the day was over but the RC ran with it and finished all 7 flights. The wind picked up and we had some crazy moments with such short legs. A squall hit in one of our races and I think the downwind leg was 1.5 mins max in the 15-20 knots! At days end we were tied for 3rd, and were the only team to beat Genny Tulloch besides Anna.
Day Two – Friday, we had better winds and aggressive starts. Katie Lovell was chasing us and we used a mooring ball and yacht as a pick. Instead of bailing out she ran into our stern and then proceeded to swipe off our rudder. It was hanging by one gudgeon and although some (including umps) said it should have been black flagged, she got one penalty and they postponed our race. We were given a new boat and once again were the last team off the water due to a re-sail. Long days! Finished the day in 3rd place. J
Day Three – Saturday, last round robin. Seven more races and we won our grudge match against Katie. Actually she is a really nice sailor and as the Hobie people like to say – it’s all about fierce competition amongst friends. Now we are in 4th and time for the semi’s. Anna picked us to race against. The top three are on the US Sailing Team for match racing so we felt pretty good about mixing it up with the best. Anna beat us, Genny beat Katie, and the races continued on Sunday. Day Four –finals and petite finals. Katie comes from behind as we lead to the finish and with fluky winds we lost the race by feet. Race two we beat her handily. It is a first to win 2 races series and we had to win the last race. Won the start, lead around the course and it was another day of squall lines and consistent shifting to the left. Gybed at top mark to protect the left, she went right, we don’t cover, and watch her get a lone puff and beat us by feet. It was a heart break and all my fault.
Gennny Tulloch had a great series against the ISAF Sailor of the World Anna Tunnicliffe, and their last race was amazing to watch. Penalties, lead switches and mistakes which eventually had Genny cross the finish line and take the title. Thank you again to all the guys and gals and especially SDYC who helped in the long journey to get us there! We had a fantastic time racing and learning and the bruises are finally starting to heal.
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