The team as a whole had great results at the 2013 USODA Team Trials at Pewaukee Yacht Club. 195 Optis showed up for a primarily light air event. Being on a lake lead to some interesting shifts and puffs. Consistency and not taking too many risks were the keys to putting together a good score line. Pewaukee YC was a wonderful host and the Race Committee, led by Anderson Reggio, did a great job getting 11 races in.

Team highlights were

– JC Hermus 4th overall

– 3 sailors in Top 15

– 1st and 2nd Blue Fleet

– 5 Sailors in Top 50

– 4 of Top 10 White Fleet

– 12 Sailors in Top 100

SailStrong Team Members will represent the USA at numerous international regattas this summer.

–World Championship Team  – JC Hermus

–European Championship Team – Kathryn Hall

–North American Championship Team – Clayton Johnson, Thomas Rice, Michelle Lahrkamp

British National Championship – Madeleine Rice, Boyd Bragg, Jagan Subbiah, Daven Subbiah, Brendan Lord

Helping Gray get the hiking straps set just right to connect with the boat for effective hiking.

All set to go and hanging with teammates before racing.

Michelle Lahrkamp, Qualified for North American Champs

Clayton coming off the pin as usual.

Kathryn Hall, Opti Europeans 2013 Team Member

JC Hermus – 4th Overall, 1st Blue Fleet – Team Trials, Opti Worlds 2013 Team USA member

Checking out an ice boat at the Harken factory.

L-r Thomas Rice, Michelle Lahrkamp, JC Hermus, Gray Benson

A map of the fleet.

L-R Clayton Johnson 9th, Thomas Rice 15th, JC Hermus 4th – Team Trials 2013

Regrouping between races.

2013 SailStrong Team Trials Team

Getting the bottom just right.

This time Jordan decided to join Clayton down at the pin.

getting ready for a day on the water

Sam Bruce 48th Overall, 3rd White Fleet – Team Trials 2013