Sailing

A local Olympian aids Midwinters champion

By DAVE ELLIS
Published February 14, 2005

GULFPORT - Olympic, All-America and pro sailors vied for the 505 class Midwinters title on Boca Ciega Bay and on the Gulf of Mexico from Friday to Sunday. One point separated the top three boats after 12 races, with Dave Mendelblatt and Jesse Falsone sailing home the winner.

The high-tech, demanding 505-class boats tested the skills of their sailors Friday, with winds at 17 to 22 knots. Numerous boats capsized during the day's four 4-mile races, generally under their large spinnaker on the off-wind legs.

Macy Nelson of Baltimore was caught by the boom on a jibe and needed stitches in his face.

Just before the event began, Falsone of Annapolis, Md., found out his skipper was unable make it to Florida. St. Petersburg sailmaker Ethan Bixby called local Olympic sailor Mark Mendelblatt. Mark agreed to sail Friday and his older brother, David, sailed Saturday and Sunday.

Despite the Mendelblatts unfamiliarity with Falsone's boat, Mark had it in the lead after a day of heavy air. Bixby was a close second.

Saturday the fleet sailed into the gulf off the Don CeSar Beach Resort, again with four races in 8-12 knots of wind. Dave Mendelblatt held a four-point lead at the end of the day, with Bixby three back.

A final four races were held Sunday in wind as strong as 12 knots but diminishing by the last race to less than 4 knots. The top two boats stayed close, vying for position.

It came down to the last race. A small wind line occurred to the south. Mendelblatt was closer to it and put a boat between him and Bixby to take the championship by one point.

Tim Collins and Drew Butner of Boston tied Bixby and crew Erik Boothe but lost the tiebreaker and finished third.

Two women from Annapolis, Kyrisa Pohl sailing with class webmaster Ali Meller as crew, were fourth. St. Petersburg sailors Lin Robson and Serge Jorgensen were fifth.

[Last modified February 14, 2005, 01:20:17]