Dellenbaugh Grabs Early Advantage at U.S. Match Racing Championship

Sheboygan, WI (September 19, 2013) – Eight teams completed nearly six flights in the first round robin stage of day one at the 2013 U.S. Match Racing Championship, hosted by Sail Sheboygan (Wis.). The sprint for the Prince of Wales Bowl is taking place in Sonars for four days of match racing on Lake Michigan.

Two-time U.S. Match Racing Champion Dave Dellenbaugh (Easton, Conn.) got off to a great start Thursday by racking up six wins in as many races. His day was spirited by an impressive win over four-time champion Dave Perry (Southport, Conn.). The two squared off in flight four, in a match between two 3-0 teams. Perry won the start and took a one-boat-length-lead at the leeward mark. Winds were gusting 25 knots and Perry rolled to windward losing bowman Chris Museler (Portsmouth, R.I.) into the water. Perry quickly recovered his bowman, but lost his lead to Dellenbaugh, who picked up the win. The loss for Perry’s team was their only defeat of the day.

Matt Graham, representing Bayview Yacht Club, finished the day with three wins and is currently in third place despite being the lightest team to sail in the heavy breeze.

Racing got underway at approximately 11:30 a.m. CT on Thursday after thunderstorms postponed the start of the championship. Competitors battled both high waves and high winds throughout the day. By days end, winds were steady at 18 to 20 knots, with 4 to 6 foot waves.

Principal Race Officer Dave Bronson will attempt to finish the double round robin Friday. Forecast predicts generally sunny skies and wind out of the west at 10 to 20 knots. Racing will resume on Friday at 10:00 a.m.

The winning skipper of this event will receive an invitation to race at the 2014 Ficker Cup, a grade 3 event and a Congressional Cup Qualifier.

The U.S. Match Racing Championship is a US Sailing National Championship sponsored by Gill North America and Hobie Polarized Sunglasses. The championship is a Sailors for the Sea – Clean Regattas certification event.

Visit the official event website this week for the daily video recaps by Chris Love Productions, photos, daily recaps, rosters, standings, real-time Twitter updates from Sheboygan, and more.

Championship Notes:
– The intended format for this event:
Stage 1 – A round robin
Stage 2 – A round robin
Stage 3 – A knockout series, first to score 2 points, to determine places 9-12
Stage 4 – A knockout series, first to score 2 points, to determine places 5-8
Stage 5 – Knockout petit final (first to score 2 points) and final (first to score 3 points) series
– Course area will be east of the Sheboygan Harbor on Lake Michigan
– Racing to start at 10 a.m. Thursday through Sunday (subject to change)
– The course will be windward/leeward with starboard roundings, finishing downwind
– The skippers and their crew members placing first, second and third in this regatta will be awarded US Sailing Gold, Silver and Bronze medals, respectively.

Championship Personnel:
Greg Kiely, U.S. Match Racing Championship Chair
Kathy Lindgren, Event Chair
Liz Walker, US Sailing Championships Director

For Immediate Release
Contact: Jake Fish, US Sailing Communications Manager, jakefish@ussailing.org, 401.683.0800 x614