And the winner is….
About 800 kids came from around the world to race in the Tuuci Orange Bowl International Youth Regatta this year, and another name was added to the “Magnus Liljedahl Sportsmanship Award” trophy. The Coral Reef Yacht Club did an outstanding job hosting the event. The Opti was by far the largest class. They were divided into two circles: The Opti Green (beginners) sailed closer to home, while the Opti Red, Opti White, and Opti Blue sailed further east. Also competing were the Club 420 on a circle a bit further south and then the ILCA class on the southernmost circle. The ILCA was divided into ILCA 4, ILCA 6, and ILCA 7.
This year, I earned some extra income for Team Paradise by offering up myself and our safety boat for spectator excursions. I was amazed by the amount of talent out there. It was incredible to watch boys and girls sailing together in the same boat or against one another. I also witnessed many acts of sportsmanship and some rare instances of the opposite.
By the end of the final day of racing, I had the honor of awarding the 23rd edition of the Sportsmanship Award, bearing my name. The 2023 winner was Opti Green-fleeter Francisco "Franky" Don! Franky fought his way through all 14 races to finish 14th overall. He did not feel his best, battling weakness and fatigue the entire time. But he never quit and gave it his all! Frankie showed courage, self-discipline, responsibility and dedication to his team. Congratulations Frankie!