Sunfish Worlds 1985 report
A competitive fleet of 69 sailors representing 14 countries battled the wind and waves off of Riccione, Italy on the Adriatic Coast, June 14-20. High surf prevented sailors from leaving the beach for two days, but the wind direction shifted on the third day, reducing the surf and enabling sailors to get out to the 6-mile Olympic course.
For the second time in four years the Sunfish World Championship was held in Italy; and for the second time in three years Donnie Martinborough of the Bahamas was crowned World Champion. Winning his first title in 1983 in San Andres, Colombia, Martinborough favors the high seas and heavy winds of his home waters off Nassau. Four out of the five races at the recent World Championship were sailed in just these conditions, where Martinborough’s boat speed was untouchable. Scores of 1-1-1-4-(15) for 8 total points won the Championship easily, without the need to sail the final, light-air race. Twelve points behind Martinborough, using the Olympic Scoring System, was Scott Greenbaum of the United States, followed by Bruce Stuphen (USA) in third, with 23 points and last year’s runner-up, Mark May (GBR) in fourth with 30 points. Fifth place was taken by Leonard Ruby (USA) with 47 total points.
The first four races were sailed in 18-22 knot winds with 6-8 foot swells. Martinborough, a 26-year-old real estate salesman from Nassau, felt right at home. Boat speed is the key to his success for this easy-going sailor who almost never gets involved in protests. “Donnie is a joy to sail against, you can never get mad at him”, was the comment from his competition. You would think that weight would be an advantage in the high winds, but at 145 pounds, Donnie is on the light side for a Sunfish sailor. He compensates by wearing a 10-15 pound weight jacket, but says that technique is his real secret weapon.
High surf prevented sailors from leaving the beach for two days, but the wind direction shifted on the third day, reducing the surf and enabling sailors to get out to the 6-mile Olympic course. The first four races were sailed in 18-22 knot winds with 6-8 foot swells. Martinborough, a 26-year-old real estate salesman from Nassau, felt right at home. Boat speed is the key to his success for this easy-going sailor who almost never gets involved in protests. “Donnie is a joy to sail against, you can never get mad at him”, was the comment from his competition. You would think that weight would be an advantage in the high winds, but at 145 pounds, Donnie is on the light side for a Sunfish sailor. He compensates by wearing a 10-15 pound weight jacket, but says that technique is his real secret weapon.
All the sailors enjoyed the warm hospitality of the town of Riccione and the Club Nautico Riccione. Race sponsors ARCI-UISP lined up an interesting social schedule including a parade of athletes through the town as well as several disco nights. A great time was had by all!
