Annually, several premier youth sailing events occur in Coconut Grove, Miami around Christmas and New Years. There was tremendous uncertainty whether this years planned Orange Bowl and Open Orange Bowl regattas would actually occur, but through careful planning and strong leadership of numerous persons and clubs in Miami, meaningful youth one-design racing resumed. Several Lakewood Seahorses participated in these events. Conditions were light on the first day of the events, but became blustery with an angry sea state over the next 3 days of the event with average breeze between 18-20 knots. Conditions advantaged larger sailors, but made it very difficult for all.

In the Open Orange Bowl, Noah Zittrer, in his first regatta in the crew position on the 29er (the training boat for the Olympic Class boat, the 49er) finished in an outstanding 6th place overall with his partner, Clark Morris of the American Yacht Club.

Lakewood member Aidan Dennis competed in the Orange Bowl Laser Radial Fleet finishing in a strong 11th position. The Laser 4.7 Fleet was represented by multiple Lakewood members - Ava Anderson, Stephen Momeier and Kate Dennis finishing in 17th, 18th and 26th respectively.

In the Red/White/Blue Optimist Fleets, Alia Dennis finished in 55th and Ian Farley in 57th. Finally, Scarlett Dennis in her first Orange Bowl completed all four days of the event in the Optimist Green Fleet finishing in 40th.

Thanks to both Key Biscayne Yacht Club and Coconut Grove Sailing Club for welcoming our sailors to their teams for the regatta. The regatta was challenging both on and off the water but the organizers did a great job navigating how to host a safe event.

Two days following the conclusion of the Orange Bowl events, Asher Zittrer and Noah Zittrer, in their first pairing together as skipper (Asher) and crew (Noah) participated in the Miami Snipes Under 30 Invitational. The event is organized by the Miami Snipe Sailors annually to encourage new sailors to participate in the class and maintain this venerable boat as an active class. Thirty-two boats filled with top youth and collegiate sailors from around the country (and even out of the country - Puerto Rico, Peru and Ecuador) tested their skills on Biscayne Bay for two days in an old but highly technical boat called the Snipe. After some very competitive sailing, Asher and Noah finished third overall. The brothers are hoping to ultimately secure a spot to attend the 2022 Snipe World Championship in Enoshima, Japan and this was their first step towards that goal!

Update: February 10, 2021
Noah just finished off a second skiff generation event in January, two kite events in the St. Pete area in which he did well. This coming weekend he is doing a major 29er event in Miami.


Written by: Leigh Zittrer, LYC Member