|
“The upwind from the Coronado Bridge to the finish line was the most challenging part of the day,” explained Steinemann. “I really like the start of the race the best.”
Olivia Barelli (C Fleet) made her way through the finish line in second place overall. “Big waves were coming through in the current. In the light wind it was hard to keep the sail steady. Finishing the race with all the cheers from everyone was great. We learn a lot of different skills that you can take with you throughout your life.”
Fenton Wallace was B Fleet winner, finishing 10th overall. This was Fenton’s first time sailing in the Dutch Shoe. “The most challenging part was sailing next to the aircraft carriers. The best part was finishing! The best part about sailing is going fast and having fun.”
First place in the A Fleet, 33rd overall, was Kousei Hatter. This is Hatter's first time sailing in the regatta. “I did pretty well winning the A Fleet. The best part of the race is the last leg of the day when you pass under the Coronado Bridge. It’s fun to go out and see all my friends,” he said.
Sailing is all about being a good teammate. The winner of the Secretary of Navy Award was Connor Herron in the Senior fleet. “The Dutch Shoe is a right of passage for everybody. The last place finisher is most likely the most worried and confused person in the fleet. Because you’re in last place, you watch the whole fleet finish in front of you. There’s nobody else… that’s why I went back to go find that person.”
The Dutch Shoe Marathon is also open to the Senior Sabot fleet. The winner of the Senior Fleet was SDYC’s Chuck Sinks who has won this division. “It was great, especially hanging out with the kids. The conditions might have made this the most difficult race I’ve sailed. Inside Glorietta Bay really got challenging,” said Sinks. “It’s so great that the youth invites the old people to join them,” he joked.
A notable mention goes to the doublehanded sibling team of Indigo Craig (14) and River Craig (6) teamed up to conquer San Diego Bay completing the race in the C fleet, as did their brother Lyon, while their dad Damien navigates across the Pacific in the last 1/3 of the Transpac Race aboard the J/125 Nereid.
The 48th running of the Dutch Shoe Marathon saw another year of happy sailors accomplishing a huge milestone in their careers. Many of these sailors will return next year, joined by a whole new fleet of Dutch Shoe first-timers.
After the races, an awards ceremony and celebration commemorating a huge accomplishment was held at Coronado Yacht Club where sailors received their bright red “Dutch Shoe” trophies and raffle prizes awarded from the event's generous sponsors.
|
