The North American Championships were completed today in beautiful Cozumel, Mexico with excellent conditions and high drama.  The event will long be remembered for the local hospitality, breathtaking venue, and camaraderie amongst the young sailors.   Local sailors competed in the Raceboard fleet joining top competitors in the Formula Experience Fleet from Peru, Venezuela and Mexico; eager young hopefuls on the Techno 293 from the USA, Mexico, Guam and Peru; along with a strong RS:X contingent from seven countries.  

The event will also be marked by the joyful ending to a rescue at sea by a 13 year old American Techno sailor of an 18 year old Mexican girl in the RS:X class.  
 
In an emotional ceremony, Rasmus Sayre (Vineyard Haven, MA) was awarded "Hero of the Regatta" for his outstanding seamanship and sportsmanship in rescuing Nicole Level (Cancun, MX) who ended up winning the RS:X Youth Women and qualifying for the Youth World Champs in Croatia. 

Not just another tropical island . . . No it definitely is not. "Heaven on Earth" - as good as it gets!  All agree that week here is definitely not enough. It was a first major event for windsurfing here but definitely not the last. Perfect conditions - warm, not much current, a little wave action, and a good breeze - an incredible "playground" for competitors taking part in the Cozumel 2011 North American Championships.

Everybody wants to come again not only for racing conditions but also for other attractions that the island has to offer.

View event pics here

View the event videos from SVK1pp on YouTube here or:

DAY 4 video : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEME3eCDRSY
DAY 3 video : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJQXdEFtqlc
DAY 2 video : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XO6i0s6yy_A
DAY 1 video : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyC0cVT41qY