The Sailing Association of American Samoa, Inc. (SAASI) held its first regatta of the season this weekend.
The opening season regatta saw an outstanding turnout of sailors ranging from the ages of 11 to 17, sailing in Optimist Class and both Laser Radial (Women) and Laser Standard (Men).
Conditions were good with consistent South East winds at 7-9 knots and some rain squalls pushing in winds up to 14 knots. Sailors enjoyed the conditions and the race course while parents, supporters, and sponsors enjoyed the races from shore.
Head sailing coach Matthew Erickson commented, “I am so grateful to be teaching such a competitive group of young sailors. These sailors truly love the sport of sailing. It’s this intrinsic love of the sport and the ocean that will keep these athletes on the water and hopefully one day bring home a Gold medal for American Samoa.”
This is the first event of many that will take place this season. Each sailor’s scores will be accumulated over the season to assess their overall ranking.
Laser Standard Results: 1. Victor Chen – Pacific Independent Distributors; 2. Christian Lorenzo – YSJ Limited; 3. Pei Raynar – SAASI.
Laser Radial Results 1. Angela Chen – Tutuila Printing; 2. Amelie Chen – Dateline/Indigo; 3. Jade Cox – Canada; and 4. Georgia Cox – SAASI.
Optimist Open Results 1. Tiva Duffy – Neil’s ACE Home Center; 2. Regan Duffy – TMO Hardware; 3. Olivia Yoon – Matson Shipping.
The current Learn-to-Sail Program held on the Pala Lagoon has 7 sailors in its first session with hopes to add more sailors to the Optimist races by the new school year. Sessions will be taught throughout the summer.
The Sailing Association of American Samoa, Inc. thanks their Season Sail Sponsors: Dateline Exports, Indigo Piping System, Matson Shipping, Neil’s Ace Home Center, Pacific Independent Distributors, TMO Hardware, YSJ Limited, and Tutuila Printing.
