Day one of racing on the record at the 20th Anniversary C. Thomas Clagett, Jr. Memorial Clinic and Regatta
NEWPORT, R.I. (June 24, 2022) – Sailors competing at the 20th Anniversary C. Thomas Clagett, Jr. Memorial Clinic and Regatta in Newport, R.I. were greeted with a fantastic day for the first day of racing. A consistent South Westerly breeze in the 15 to 16 knots range with gusts up to 18 knots provided a picture perfect race course for the two classes racing.
Twenty sailors in the single handed 2.4mR class completed four races for the day and the results set the scene for an exciting day two tomorrow. Leading the class after day one is Puerto Rico’s Julia Reguero, who has a two point separation from local sailor Ted Green (North Kingstown, R.I). Rounding out the top three places is Canadian and former class winner, Peter Eager (Toronto, ON).
“I had a consistent day today which improved over the four races once I got settled into my boat. This is my second year at The Clagett racing in my boat which I received from the Clagett Boat Grant Program, which I am very thankful to The Clagett for and all the support they provide,” said Reguero after racing.
Peter Eager, who is also racing a boat he received from the Clagett Boat Grant Program spoke about his return to Clagett after a two year hiatus due to the pandemic. “Coming back to The Clagett after the pandemic is great, the last time I was here racing in 2019 I won the class. This is my first time racing my new boat from the Clagett Boat Grant Program which I believe is really impacting my results. I’m looking forward to more racing tomorrow.”
In the Martin 16 class Newport local sailor Jeff Long, who sailed in the very first C. Thomas Clagett, Jr. Memorial Clinic and Regatta in Newport in 2003 with Sarah Everhart Skeels (Little Compton, R.I.) and Brian Skeels (Little Compton, R.I.) in a Sonar is sailing with Partick LoDuca from Chicago for the first time in a Martin 16. Long and LoDuca have sailed together as crew for a number of years but this is the first time with LoDuca as the skipper and Long as crew.
Long spoke about sailing together, “Today was not what was forecast, it was super sporty on the race course. This boat is a new learning curve for Patrick and I as we are both usually crew with another skipper. Patrick did a great job today getting us in the right place on the start line.”
Long and LoDuca are currently placed in second in the Martin 16 class after incurring a penalty after racing. Leading the class is Carwile Le Roy (Fresno, CA) and his crew of Tannis Hall from Canada. Rounding out the Martin 16 podium after day one is Steve Edensen and Steve Safford (San Marcos, CA).
Judy Clagett Mclennan, President and Co-Founder of Clagett Sailing remarked after day one, “I’m thrilled to see so many sailors back in Newport racing. It’s wonderful that our Canadian sailors and volunteers are able to travel to Newport again after the borders reopened. We are looking forward to more racing for both classes tomorrow.”
The forecast for day two is for a high of 82 degrees and a Southerly breeze of five to 10 knots.
For more information about Clagett Sailing Presents: The 20th Anniversary of the C. Thomas Clagett, Jr. Memorial Clinic and Regatta please visit: www.clagettsailing.org
About Clagett Sailing:
Founded in 2003, the C. Thomas Clagett, Jr. Memorial Clinic and Regatta honors the late Tom Clagett (1916-2001), a U.S. Navy World War II veteran who learned to sail on Chesapeake Bay. As a youngster he suffered temporary paralysis as the result of a bout of meningitis; an experience that left him with a deep respect for the accomplishments of people with disabilities. Clagett Sailing’s stated mission is "to assist sailors in realizing their potential on the water by providing them both the knowledge and tools to improve their skills and the opportunity to use these skills in competition." The organization has adoptedTom Clagett's motto of "Reach for Success,” which resonateswith every Clagett sailor.
2022 marks the 20th Anniversary of Clagett Newport. Clagett alumni sailors have earned medals at the 2008, 2012 and 2016 Paralympic Games. Along with reaching the 20th Anniversary milestone, the nonprofit organization while adhering to its original mission has evolved beyond its original single regatta format and has been rebranded “Clagett Sailing” to encompass the multiple programs it now offers to sailors with disabilities.
Clagett Sailing 2022 sponsors:
Clagett Sailing would like to thank the following – Fiduciary Trust International at the Platinum level; AIG Private Client Group at the Silver level; Innovative Construction, The Kimball Foundation, at the Bronze level;