Sunfish Worlds 1986 report

Scott Kyle of Winnetka, IL sailed consistently to claim the 17th Annual Sunfish Class World Championship held on Narragansett Bay off Barrington, Rl, June 9-13, 1986. The event was hosted by the Barrington Yacht Club. Kyle, who is a junior at Tufts University, scored 26.10 with finishes of 1-5-6-3-3-(BKD)-8-1-4.
Second place went to 1984 World Champion Andy Pimental of Bristol, Rl, with a total of 33.75 points. Doug Kaukeinen of Rochester, NY, finished third with 48.50 points. Defending champion Donnie Martinborough of Nassau finished 5th with 53 points.
The event was sailed in 55 race-equipped brand new Sunfish provided by Alcort Sailboats, Inc. All boats were equal in weight and construction providing fair competition. Newly approved 3.9 oz. sails were used and came from North Sails/Fogh of Toronto.

The weather was terrible the whole championship week, though terrible weather did bring good winds. Two days were sailed in cold, pouring rain, and the water temperature was 65 degrees. The first 7 races were sailed in 12-18 mph breezes which lightened up for the final 2 races. In the 6th race, the wind shifted 180 degrees on the first weather leg, turning the race around. Incomplete sailing instructions prevented the race committee from abandoning the race at that time although it was abandoned later by the jury. The race was re-sailed the next day.

The Barrington Yacht Club did a great job (as always). Highlights include an Olympic-style opening ceremony complete with militia and cannon and a New England Lobster Boil Awards Dinner. Also, the Annual Class Meeting and the “Dark & Stormy Party” were hosted by the Bermuda Sunfish Association. In all, 55 boats from nine countries participated. Represented were: United States, Great Britain, Bermuda, Curagao, Aruba, Saudi Arabia, U.S. Virgin Islands, France and the Bahamas.

In addition to the race winners, special trophies were awarded to:

Brewster Boats awarded a “Sou’wester” rain hat to Mike Butterfield of Bermuda for best outfit of the week.