Prodigy Class Association
Prodigy Class North American Championship
Suncoast Classic October 30-31, 2004
It was light wind, even for Prodigys, but we got a full seven races in. There was a large fleet, which included first time racers, juniors, and top competitors. As often seems to be the case, a few dark horses emerged; people who only recently started racing Prodigys, but turn out to have years of previous racing experience. Lee Huels finished in third place, in his first North American Championship, and Marlin Meitzen, who sailed a Prodigy for the first time ever at this event, made it into the top ten.
Defending champion Randy Rhodes was able to retain his title, edging out Al Simmons. Previous champion Sean Hawes was unable to compete this year and instead did race officiating. He'll be back. Fourth place in the fleet was taken by junior competitor Mark Boersma, who is more used to competing on Formula boards. This was not the weekend for Formula, though, with conditions near glassy at times, and only a few puffs approaching 10 mph.
Due to the light wind, the course was very small, and the starting line short. Getting off the line was the first challenge...and after that pumping technique was important. The distinctive percussive sound of Al Simmon's pumping could be heard across the course, and he had the blisters to show for it. Wife Susan is less competitive in these extremely light conditons, so she did less well than usual.
The event was held as in previous years at the Holiday Inn at Marina Cove in St Petersburg, Florida, just at the end of the Sunshine Skyway, and was sponsored by Watersports West, Harper Realty, Mistral, and Windsurfing Magazine. It went perfectly. Thanks to Steve Levine and all the volunteers who made it happen!
Complete results will be posted at www.watersportswest.com.
Champion Randy Rhodes demonstrating his aggressive style. Dick Tillman in the background.
Ryan Hurley, second place winner in the Junior Division.
Al Simmons, sandwiched in layers of Prodigy sails during a tight start.