MauiSails put in top class performances at US Nationals

The United States Windsurfing Association National Championship was held this year in San Francisco, hosted by the supportive St. Francis Yacht club off the famous Chrissy Field.

5 days of Course Racing, Slalom, Long Distance and Freestyle were to be completed and National Champions crowned, both overall and in various age groups.

The whole MauiSails US crew showed up, including former World Champion Phil McGain to race, sail designer Barry Spanier, our Sales Manager Rick Whidden who was also racing, mainland ambassador Casey Hauser, Ingrid Lauouche who both specialize in Slalom and Freestyle. Andy Brandt our chief travelling windsurfing instructor was there to give his support and talk story about the products.

Twelve Course races were held over the five days in winds varying from 12 to 25 knots. The 47 year old Phil McGain put on one of the best performances seen in the Bay for years, narrowly missing first place by one point to World number two Paulo Dos Reis. McGain did however dominate the long distance race using his tr6 10m and stretching his lead out by more than 3 minutes at the finish. Rick Whidden finished a worthy thirteenth place in the Grand Masters division.

McGain was awarded North American Formula Champion as the first US based resident and member of the USWA.

The slalom was held in mostly gusty winds close to shore at Chrissy Field with five heats being completed for the Gold fleet. McGain sailed consistently to finish in second place behind the light weight Wilhelm Schurmann. The Junior Slalom was won by young Jordan Reid, using his trusty TR5’s. The women’s Slalom was won by our own Ingrid Larouche using a Pursuit 6.0m sail.

The Overall National Titles goes to Phil McGain after placing first in the Long Distance and second in both Course and Slalom. Phil is also North American Formula Class Champion being the first US based sailor.

McGain commented after the prize giving…“all I can say is Wow, a great regatta, my Formula sails were perfect in the variable conditions and as usual my slalom gear gave me everything I needed for a consistent performance. I’m happy to win the Overall National Title for MauiSails.”