US Sailing hosted the largest MOCR on record with 49 nations and 855 competitors competing in the 18th version of the event. It was a star studded field with numerous World Champions and Olympic Medalists represented across all classes. Miami delivered a range of conditions testing everyone, and wrapped up the event with a quality day of medal races in 6-9 knot conditions that attracted an impressive spectator fleet.

Canada’s top Olympic prospects did not fail to live up to their expectations with Ross Macdonald/Mike Wolfs (2004 Silver Medalists) rally during the medal race to place 4th and thus secure 3rd place overall in the Star Class, winning on the tie-breaker. Chris Cook in the Finn class battled to a solid 4th place finish narrowly missing the podium. Although missing the medals Chris took a great deal away from the event and is keen to address any weaknesses before embarking upon the 2007 European schedule which culminates for all at the 2007 ISAF Worlds in Cascais.

Not to be outdone, David Cook and Brenda Hopkin collected the Silver Medal in the Skud 18 class; an outstanding showing for past Olympian David Cook and a positive look at what is in store for the Canadian Paralympic team.

A number of other Canadian teams narrowly missed the medal races. Jen Provan/Carol Luttmer in the 470 class staged a mid event rally which left them narrowly on the outside of the medal race finishing 13th overall.  Likewise Mike Leigh and Bernard Luttmer each gamely battled throughout the event finishing up 12th and 14th respectively. The 12th place finish further qualified Mike to represent Canada in the Pan Am Games.

In other Pan American Games qualifiers, Lisa Ross in the Radial class won the qualifier placing 23rd overall including a solid race win in race 11. Zac Plavsic placed 20th to secure the RS:X men’s spot, while Dominique Vallée defeated the challenges of Nikola Girke placing 15th to Nikola’s 16th to secure the women’s RS:X Pan Am berth.

“This event represents the quality we are accustomed to at European Grade 1 events, it is a pleasure to have such quality competition occur in our back yard”, said Head Coach Ken Dool. “Further it represents the kick-off to the 2007 year; the Canadian Sailing Team has posted quality results over the past two years of the quadrennial but it is 2007 and ultimately 2008 and the Olympic Games where we need to shine”.

As a wrap up to the event the CST hosted a team meeting to announce the 2007 Team make-up and lay the groundwork for the upcoming seasons. During the meetings the team was presented with team uniforms graciously provided by Salmon Cove, Gul and Fogh Marine. “A genuine smile was seen on just about every face as team members proudly put on their new outfits and stood together as a team”. A special thanks to these sponsors and other supporters of the Canadian Sailing Team for making what we do possible.

Continue to follow the Canadian Sailing Team during the winter months as the 49er, Tornado, Radial and Yngling North Americans as well as the Finn Midwinters all get underway immediately in Miami and surrounding waters.