23 teams from 11 states and two countries compete
Press Release from Krista Paxton
Detroit, September 15th, 2019 – The F18 North American Championship hosted at Crescent Sail Yacht Club kicks off Monday for 23 teams competing on 18′ high performance catamarans on Lake St. Clair. Racing takes place over four days and will showcase the strength, agility, and strategy required to win in the fleet of two-person high performance racing catamarans.
The Formula 18 catamaran has become the largest high-performance catamaran class in the world. Local, regional, national, and international champions have come here to Michigan to fight for the title. Three-time F18 North American Champion and Three-Time F18 Masters World Champion, Robbie Daniel, has been holding training sessions at the venue during the week leading up to the event. He has been joined by Ken Marshack, F18 National Masters Champion and Alter Cup winner. Steve Stroebel, 2018 F18 Nordic Champion, and Maxime Loiselle, defending Canadian National Champion, will compete for the North American Champion title as well.
A multitude of “newcomers” are participating this year as well; determined to take their shot at the title. The youngest skipper, Zoe Roosen, from Quebec is one of the Canadian teams vying to become the Canadian F18 National Champion; also to be crowned at this event.
The physical nature of the boats has not deterred female participation. The fleet features over 25% mixed teams (female and male crew sailing together) including three female skippers; supporting the trend set by the inclusion of mixed multihull sailing in the Olympics.
Event Chairman, Chris Tuckfield, stated that “We are excited to host this event for the first time in the Detroit area. Crescent Sail Yacht Club has plenty of experience hosting events of this caliber and we are looking forward to a fantastic show from this fleet, as only high-performance catamaran sailing can give.” Competitor Steve Piche from Texas was enthusiastic, “I’ve sailed in California. I’ve sailed in Florida. This is somewhere all new and I’m really excited to be here!”
The fall conditions in Michigan can present varied and challenging conditions, sometimes in the same day. So, it’s anyone’s guess who may top the scoreboard. The competition will, no doubt, be tight. Racing is set to begin at 11am on Monday, September 16th. Up to four races will be run per day and racing concludes on Thursday afternoon September 19th.
In brief:
Four days of competition begin Monday and continue Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Participants represent the following states: Hawaii, Washington, California, Texas, Florida, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, and of course, Michigan.
Quotes:
Steve Stroebel, US F18 Class President:
“The local F18 class is incredibly enthusiastic and honored to have the championship in their community in Michigan.”
Chris Tuckfield, Event Chairman and longtime F18 Sailor:
“It is exciting to host this Championship in our region since we have one of the largest, active F18 catamaran fleets right here in Michigan. It is a great state for sailing, and it produces many great sailors; both amateur and professional, that travel around the world to compete in regattas at the highest levels.”
Event Organization:
Event Chairman: Chris Tuckfield
Photography: Andrew Jowett
Onsite Coordinator: Nina Glover
Press Relations
Krista Paxton
+1 313 461 3611
kristapaxton@yahoo.com
- Website: http://2019f18nacs.com/
- Facebook: USF18
- Results: https://yachtscoring.com/event_results_cumulative.cfm?eid=6144