It’s been a tight battle among the top two teams, the 2024 Star North American Championship held in Newport Harbor Yacht Club, ended yesterday and has a winner, actually two, it is the father – son team Paul and Danny Cayard. Going into the 8th and final race, just two points separated the top three teams: Cayard/Cayard, George Szabo/Guy Avellon, John Dane/Dave Martin.  After a tight battle for most of the race, it was only in the final leg that the Cayard duo moved ahead and clinched the win. An excellent result for the Cayards, who had previously sailed together in events such as the Star Vintage Gold Cup, but now together they conquered a Silver Star – Paul is also a Star World Champion and previous Continental Champion.

Challenging conditions on day two of the 2024 Star North American Championship in Newport Beach, California. The wind took a long time to settle and the forecast Westerly breeze came in late, leaving the 26 boat fleet racing with a South-Westerly around 5 and 8 knots. Other factors that came into play were the current coming up the beach and the South swell, all in all, two very technical races were finished today in Los Angeles, organized by Newport Harbor Yacht Club.

Two races on Day One: George Szabo with Guy Avellon are the best of the day and overall leaders.

Newport Harbor in Los Angeles, California, has put on a great show for Day One of the 2024 Star North American Championship. The breeze ranged from light to above 10 knots, allowing the 26-boat fleet to finish two fair races with lots of lead changes and tight competition.

Race One started with a nice 11-knot breeze after an abandonment, a few general recalls, and course adjustments. George Szabo with Guy Avellon were the leaders from start to finish, followed by Will Stout and Parker Mitchell, and Eric Doyle with Payson Infelise. The wind increased to 13 knots for Race Two, which did not have a clear winner from the beginning. Eventually, the bullet went to Brian Ledbetter and Brian Terhaar. Arthur Anosov and Quinton Gallon came in second, with John Dane III and Dave Martin finishing third.

The District 5 schedule is set for an epic Southern California road trip from Newport Beach to sunny San Diego.

August 3-4                  Baxter Bowl              Newport Harbor YC
August 5-10                North Americans       Newport Harbor YC
Aug 31-Sept 1             Labor Day Pitcher    San Diego YC
September 8-13           Star Worlds               San Diego YC
 

STORAGE SOLUTIONS FOR SO CAL EVENTS

 Newport Harbor Yacht Club (NHYC) will provide free (unsecure) storage for Stars one week prior and one week after the North American Championships; inclusive dates being July 29^th thru August 18^th.

 San Diego Yacht Club (SDYC) is offering free storage for Stars from August 19, 2024 through September 19, 2024.  Outside of those  dates, SDYC will allow storage at member rates of $140 per month.