2007 Rolex Miami Olympic Class Regatta

The OCR was especially competitive this year in preparation for the 2008 Olympics. Considered to be equally competitive as any of the major European events, the Grade 1 regatta was attended by nearly every sailor ranked as the world’s top 20 in their respective class. The participation of 855 athletes from around the world broke the regatta’s previous attendance record in 2000 when the Olympic Games were held in Atlanta. In preparation for the large number of boats, each Olympic class fleet was launched from various yacht clubs (and parking lots) across Miami.

Canada had the second highest athlete participation in the regatta after the US. Athletes from the Quebec team included Geoff Gales and Matt Dubreuoq sailing 49er, Geneviève and Véronique Bougie-Bastien in the 470, and Anthony Boueilh in the Laser. Canadian sailing team members Dominique Valée (RSX), Alain Bolduc (RSX), Stephane Locas and Oliver Bone (470), and Chantal Léger (Yngling) were also at the important Miami event.

The 5 day event (6 if you were in the medal round) employed some the best race officials and judges from around the world. The starts, course layout, and RC organization, were very well run and very little time was spent waiting on the water. The wind was moderate on the first day but died down on the second day before a cold front hit that brought stronger northerly winds and cooler temperatures for the rest of the event.

The OCR is very important for the National and Quebec team selection process and I hope that our attendance at this event will continue to increase.

Congratulations to all Quebec Team sailors!

Pictures available at quebesailingteam.myphotoalbum.com

Results
www.rolexmiamiocr.org

Nicolas Kim
Head Coach
Quebec Sailing Federation