By Magnus Liljedahl
When I first came to Miami back in 1977 this regatta was called the CanAm. It was a North American affair with only a few Europeans showing up. It used to be the height of the winter sailing season in Miami and it still is. It eventually changed it's name to the Miami Olympic Classes Regatta and then added a current sponsor name. Today, the regatta is an ISAF Grade A event, counting as world ranking regatta. It is also a team qualifier for the US Sailing Team. It now also includes all the Paralympic classes. It is a fantastic event. All yacht clubs around the bay are involved including The US Sailing Center and the Shake-A-Leg Water Sports Center. Boats are everywhere, it is very impressive.
I used to compete in the Flying Dutchman, the Finn and the Star class, but since last year I have devoted all my time to support the paralympic hopefuls and promote Team Paradise. A couple of years before that I tried to sail and work Team Paradise on the side, but that was not an easy task. Our sport takes so much energy and focus that it is almost impossible to do both, at least for me. I realized that if I wanted Team Paradise to prosper, I had to be there and be relentless in my approach.
I didn’t really know many of the disabled sailors in 2008 and we hadn’t earned their respect, rightfully so. Our boats did win in two classes and we had our entire fleet out racing. But this year was very different. Perhaps it was the 24’ covered trailer, known a Team Paradise Central, which really made things so much easier for me. To have a base like that, at the location we are in is outstanding. Successful fundraising gave me great confidence and I was able to provide the support needed to make it a success.
The 2.4s were sailed by Damien Seguin (FRA), Scott Lutz and the Ethiopian born Nigist Legesse (CAN), Juan Fernandez Ocampo and Mathias Palliot (ARG) and Scott Danberg (USA).
The Skud 18s were raced by John McRoberts and Brenda Hopkin (CAN) and Karen Mitchel and Bob Jones (USA)
The Sonar was sailed by John Robertson, Hannah Stodel (GBR) and Alex Hansen (NOR)
Team Paradise has a global approach. We are very a pleased to be able to provide competitive boats and equipment to sailors from near and far. So far in our 3-1/2 year history a dozen countries have benefitted from our program.
So how did the racing go this year? Well, our boats finished first in the 2.4 and Sonar. Damien Seguin won in one of our stock boats. He was not the fastest boat out there all he time, but he had his bases covered and he didn't miss much. Rookie sailor, Scott Danberg, made the US Sailing Team on his first try. Three team members were selected and he qualified, despite finishing 13th in the regatta.
Our Sonar has now won this event two years in a row, so chances are that we have an exceptional boat here. It didn't hurt to have members of the British and Norwegian sailing team sailing on it.
The Skud class was dominated by Scott Whitman and Julia Dorsett (USA). They won every race! I’m not sure when that feat happened last, but it is impressive. John McRoberts and Brenda Hopkins finished second and Alex Rickham and Niki Birrell were in third. Karen Mitchell and Bob Jones teamed up for the event in our Skud 001. They had some moments of glory and with some practice; chances are that they will be on the podium next year.
It was a great week and we did good. We made some new friends and caught up with the old once. it was a total success.