Dee Smith triumphs at 2.4mR Worlds

The 2022 World Championship of the 2.4 Meter class, together with the Para Sailing International Championship, was sailed November 8-11, 2022 at Davis Island Yacht Club in Tampa, Florida.

Dee Smith (USA) won the regatta of six races that were completed in the four-day series that was interrupted by Hurricane Nicole. Dee was also the top Grandmaster and first in the Disabled Division, throwing out a 3rd to count all bullets in the 39-boat fleet.

Although only three races were scheduled on the first day of racing, the Race Committee determinedly completed four races in anticipation of the coming storm, finishing the last in a driving rainstorm that signaled the imminent arrival of the tropical storm.

Although Hurricane Ian curved away from Tampa last month, Nicole did not. The sailors met early morning on race day two, and the decision was quickly made to haul the boats. With much volunteer labor from the Club members, all 39 boats were hauled in 40 minutes.

The sailors hunkered down for two days, then re-launched the boats Friday (November 11) morning, needing two more races to get a throwout. In what was promised to be a lovely day, racing started on time. But suddenly a line of thunderstorms popped out, causing the race to be shortened after two legs and the boats sent ashore. Back out after noon, it took a no-wind postponement and two general recalls to get the fleet away for the final race.

Second overall, second in Disabled, and First Female was Megan Pascoe (GBR), who also was able to discard a 3rd. Marko Dahlberg (FIN) topped the Master Division in third overall. Next was Antonio Squizzato (ITA) in fourth, followed by Jeff Linton of the host club as second Master and, sailing in his first 2.4 mR Worlds, top Rookie.

Finland will host the 2.4 Meter class World Championship in 2023.

Event Website – Results – Facebook

Source: Eric Robbins