LISOT Has Strong USODA Midwest Champs

It's over. The 2009 USODA Midwest Championship in Milwaukee, WI finished up today. 148 sailors survived the huge cold front that engulfed the midwest United States over the last three days to complete the 7 race series. Morning temperatures below freezing combined with wind from zero to 25 knots, 40 degree wind shifts and challenging sea conditions combined to make for a tough regatta.

Four LISOT sailors finished in the top 20 with Harry Koeppel the top LISOTer in 5th.

Congratulations to the winner Luke Muller of Coral Reef Yacht Club, Miami, FL. Luke was followed by Jack Barton (San Francisco YC) in 2nd, Chris Williford (Lauderdale YC) in 3rd, Kristopher Swanson in 4th and Harry (Larchmont YC) in 5th.

This regatta was the qualifier for the 2010 USA spring international teams and LISOT has placed at least 6 teammates on US teams:

5. Harry Koeppel (Larchmont YC)
12. Reinier Eenkema van Dijk (Larchmont YC)
13. Drew Gallagher (Larchmont YC)
19. Megan Grapengeter-Rudnick (Noroton YC) and 3rd girl
41. Alexandra Delbello (American YC) and 9th girl
54. Audrey Gilbin (Shrewsbury YC) and 13th girl

All will all be offered spots on USA Optimist teams traveling in early 2010 which include:

• IODA South Americans (Punta Del Este, Uruguay)
• IODA Oceana (Adelaide, Australia)
• The 25th Optimist Easter Regatta (Braassemermeer, Holland)
• The 28th Lake Garda Optimist Meeting (Lake Garda, Italy).

Other LISOT sailors may be fortunate enough to get invitations. Congratulations to all the sailors!

LISOT Head Coach Pepe Bettini and Coach Pablo "Panic" Panichelli worked hard with the team for weeks leading up to the event and kept everyone focused and "Relaxie-Taxi" during the regatta.

Complete results are available here.