I just returned from Connecticut after sailing with Jim Buckingham in the Star North American Championships held in Westport. I love Connecticut. I attended prep school (high school) there, so I always enjoy going back.

First, Jim Buck and I sailed in the warm up regatta (Bedford Pitcher) held at the Cedar Point Yacht Club (CPYC). This was a great event with about 40 boats competing in the weekend regatta. The CPYC team led by Nelson Stephenson did an amazing job, from the evening parties to the on water support – everything was spot on.

The North American Championship had about 50 boats participating. It was really good to see the diversity within the fleet. It was true Star sailing with weekend sailors out there competing against Volvo Ocean Race winners, Olympians and America’s Cup veterans. Good times!

Jim and I ended up finishing 7th overall in the North American Championship and winning the masters division (skipper is over 50 years of age).

Jim and I had a great time, with excellent racing in a wide range of conditions from drifters to surfing down waves on the Long Island Sound. It was exciting stuff!

Looking ahead, I will be competing in the Finn National Championships next week. The Southern Yacht Club is hosting the event. Southern just finished their new facility (the old club burned down during the flood/hurricane Katrina). The new club is AWESOME. It is massive and has a huge gym – it’s beautiful.

I am looking forward to testing my fitness and skills out against some of the best Finn sailors in the world.

From there, I will be joining Paul Cayard in the Champion of Champions Regatta in St. Louis in mid-October.

Exciting times!

Austin