The Virgin Islands junior sailors dominated the 2011 annual Columbus Day Regatta hosted by the St. Thomas Yacht Club last weekend.
Top honors in the Optimist fleet, the largest racing class in the regatta, was won by 12-year-old Sam Morrell.
The VI sailors won or finished in second in two other classes and divisions.
Racing started on Saturday morning in 10 to 12 knots of wind.
Sam stepped out in front with a win in the first race in the Optimist fleet. However, he had inconsistent results for the rest day, including another win, but also a third and two fourth place finishes.
At the end of the first day, Sam was third overall with his teammate Jason Putley in second, while Paige Clarke from St. John was in first place.
Eight-year-old Rayne Duff, was solidly in the lead in the in the white fleet standings.
Mollee Donovan started the Laser 4.7 fleet strongly with all wins.
Sunday’s conditions were windy, but the race committe still hed five races. Sam would win four races and finish with a second.
“I was definitely more focused today,” he said after racing. “I concentrated on good starts and controlling each race. The top sailors all have similar boat speed so it’s just a question of making good tactical decisions and minimizing mistakes.”
Sam was first in the Blue fleet and first overall in the Optimist Championship Fleet. Jason Putley was second in the Red Fleet and fourth overall. Rayne easily won the White Fleet and finished sixth overall.
Mollee Donovan dominated the Laser 4.7 fleet with mostly first place finishes and a couple seconds to take her first overseas regatta.
VI racer William Richards was locked in a two-boat race with St. Thomas competitor Chloe Diffenderfer and finished second overall. Thad Lettsome finished fourth with James Rajic-Knight nabbing 12th.