Final report (http://windsurf.gorge.net/cgwa/racing/nationals.htm for more coverage and pictures)

August 25, 2001 - Saturday, by Bonnie Lambert

Races for Friday were canceled at 3:00 p.m. after a day of waiting for the wind to pick up to raceable conditions. Saturday there were light easterlies early in the morning, and the race was called at 10:00 a.m. due to lack of wind. This gave the competitors time to de-rig their sails and begin the tedious effort of packing up all their gear.

The awards ceremony and banquet was held on the beautiful terraces of Stonehedge Gardens in Hood River where a crowd of over 100 were served a delicious fare. Darren Rogers, US Nationals Race Director, was also the master of ceremonies and did a wonderful delivery of the awards.

The overall Safeway 2001 US National Championship was awarded to Phil McGain, and the women's US national champion was Nancy Johnson. The prestigious sportsmanship award went to Micah Buzanius, who was also the overall winner of the Formula Fleet.

Congratulations and thanks to all who participated as well as the sponsors and others who helped support the racers and the event.

See the list of ranked racers for each class and their total points.

Thursday report

August 23, 2001 - Day3, by Bonnie Lambert

After a rainy and windless layday for the racers yesterday, the Gorge Westerlies turned on once again to their normal nuclear pattern. The race committee was able to hold four course races in winds ranging from 12-25 knots throughout the day. Race three today had most of the racers wondering what sail size to take next as the winds picked up unexpectedly at the start of the race.

Phil McGain dominated the OPEN Fleet today with four solid firsts. Dale Cook moves into second place followed by Bill Weir (3rd) and Bruce Peterson (4th). Micah Buziauis holds his lead in the FORMULA Fleet, while Jimmy Diaz (2nd) and Matt Pritchard (3rd) as well as the rest of the fleet try to catch him. OPEN Mens MASTERS Class is lead by Alex Aguera from Paia, HI with Mike Zajicek (2nd) and Mike Percey (3rd) close behind. In the FORMULA Mens Masters Jon Davies, Hood River, has a strong lead over Jamie Torres (2nd) and Adrianno Azovedo (3rd).

Robert Bauld of Hood River takes the lead over Vlad Moroz in the FORMULA Mens JR Grand class, followed by Alan Prucsia. Al Simmons of Bristol, CT holds a close first place against David Hop (2nd), Jan Hoogland (3rd) and Myles Borash (4th) of Marblehead, MA. in the FORMULA Mens SR Grand. Platt Johnson moves into first place in the FORMULA Men GRAND trailed by Guy Miller (2nd) and Hood River's Brian Schurton (3rd).

Nancy Johnson leads the womens fleet against Shelley Gimbal, Hood River, and maintains forth place overall in Fleet Two. Kieran Devanney of Stevenson leads the Junior Class and is in 6th place overall in Fleet Two.

The wind forecasts look great for more racing on Friday and Saturday during the final days of the regatta.

Tuesday report

August 21, 2001 - Day1, by Bonnie Lambert

A fleet of 82 racers participated in the 2001 US Windsurfing National Championships today, and the winds were light but steady with 9 - 18 knots. The winds held throughout the day and gave the race committee enough time to run five course races. Racers from all over the country traveled to compete in this event, with ages ranging from 13 years to 73 years!

The competition was tight, and the leader of the FORMULA Class today was Micah Buzianuis, followed by Jimmy Diaz and then Matt Pritchard. Phil McGain leads the OPEN Class with Dale Cook and Bruce Peterson close behind. Nancy Johnson comes out of hiding with some great finishes amongst the mostly male fleet, and Kiernan Devanney from Stevenson, Washington leads the JUNIOR fleet.

Hood River local Jon Davies leads the Formula MASTERS with five firsts today. Jamie Torres and Don Gray are now trying to catch him. Alex Aguera leads the OPEN MASTERS class after trading bullets with Mike Zajicek throughout the day.

The games and fun have just begun! There is still much more to come and the weather for tomorrow is for more light winds and then returning to more of a Gorge pattern by Thursday or Friday.