WILSON LEADS AFTER STAGE ONE OF CHICAGO MATCH RACE CENTER EVENT'S JULY GRADE 3 EVENT
7/24/2009

12 teams complete Round Robin and first two flights of Repechage 

Chicago, USA – After a single Round Robin and two flights of the Repechage, the Chicago Match Race Center’s July Grade 3 event has an early leader in local-based Don Wilson who went undefeated for the day. Wilson and his team are one of twelve invited teams at this event, with competitors hailing from as far away as New Zealand. 

“This was a great start to the event for us,” said Wilson, “but this is a tough field, so we’re hopeful we can keep up the momentum.” Wilson and his team won the last CMRC event in June. 

Race managers led by PRO Bill Canfield were able to complete five flights in Stage One and the first two flights of the Stage Two Repechage in shifty westerly breezes on courses set just off the seawall at Belmont Harbor. To maximize viewing for sponsors and media, provide a platform for teams not sailing, and act as a suitable vessel to facilitate boat rotations, CMRC used their floating yacht club houseboat as a base anchored in the race area. 

“This is unique among any match race sailing I’ve seen anywhere in the world,” said commentator Tucker Thompson of T2P productions. “To have this direct level of access on the race course is phenomenal, as we can cover the action right in close.” 

Winds today started light and shifty, but built by days end to 15-17 knots and gusty. Race managers kept on top of the shifts through use of multiple course changes, though these at times were not tracked as well by competitors who mistook the signal flags that pertained to their matches. 

Numerous penalty flags were also on display today, keeping Chief Umpire Tom Rinda and his umpire team busy all day. In fact, Wilson was a recipient of a pre-start penalty, yet in an exciting match with John Singsen Wilson managed to lead the match, set a trap for Singsen on the final leg to the<