SAIL AMERICA
 
 
 

 


Sponsored by: West Marine


Gill Wins Sail America’s Inaugural Industry Regatta in Newport, RI, June 13, 2008

The first 2008 Sail America Industry Regatta held June 13 west of Newport Harbor was an unqualified success, with the Gill team winning a strong and deep field of fellow industry competitors, all of whom were battling for bragging rights as “fastest in the sailing industry.” Perfect conditions, a fantastic race committee, level-rated boats, and superb sailing by all teams helped to make this a memorable regatta.

Open exclusively to Sail America members, the 2008 Sail America Industry Regatta was sponsored by West Marine and attracted 11 industry teams, representing a variety of sailing-related businesses and media. Teams raced in identical J22s under crystal clear skies and a building sea breeze west of Newport Harbor on spectacular Narragansett Bay.

Gill won the Industry Regatta event with only 6 points, including a throw-out race. Hall Spars & Rigging came in second with 15 points, while New England Ropes came in third with 16 points. It was a hard-fought, competitive race that was still friendly, informal and fun. Sail America hosted the awards ceremony and BBQ after the race at Sail Newport. Other teams from the sailing industry participating in the first Sail America Industry Regatta included: Lewmar, Sailing World/Cruising World; Sail Magazine; Blue Water Sailing, West Marine, Team Ronstan, Team Johnson and Latitudes & Attitudes.

Regatta Chair Dan Cooney said the first Sail America Industry Regatta was “extremely successful” and would set a new tradition that would carry on in future years. “If the sailing industry had the power to design a day and an environment to market the sport to the world, it would look a lot like it did today (June 13),” said Cooney. “This is the perfect payback for all of our hard-working colleagues who travel throughout the winter on their way to and from boat shows.”

The 2008 Sail America Industry Regatta was sponsored by West Marine and supported by GE Capital Solutions, Gill North America, North Sails, US SAILING and the Coddington Brewery Company. Sail Newport hosted the event.

Industry Regatta results:

1. Gill 6 points
2. Hall Spars 15 points
3. New England Ropes 16 points
4. Lewmar 17 points
5. Sailing World/Cruising World 18 points
6. Sail Magazine 18 points
7. Blue Water Sailing 18 points
8. West Marine 22 points
9. Team Ronstan 23 points
10. Team Johnson 37 points
11. Latitudes and Attitudes 41 points




Close starts and general recalls were the order of the day



Team Gill power downwind



Winning team Gill NA (with a little help from Sail America
Executive Director Jonathan Banks) take home the silver.


Supporting Sponsors:

US Sailing                  North Sails                  GE                  Gill


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