The 53rd edition of the Sunfish World Championship has come to an end. Over 100 competitors from 14 nations gathered at Lake Ray Hubbard for 12 intense races.
Conner Blouin from the United States, the head coach representing the College of Charleston’s sailing team, led the fleet from start to finish. Conner Blouin emerged victorious with 44 points. “I just had to focus on not getting first every time but staying in the top ten – keeping my eyes out of the boat and of course had luck on my side,” Blouin said.
Second place went to two-time Olympian from London (470 class) and Rio (Nacra 17 class), Canadian Luke Ramsay. The bronze medal was claimed by Peruvian Jean Paul De Trazegnies. “Conditions were challenging, it was a mix of everything, I had to bring it my all. focusing only on the shifts and ignoring the competitors,” said Ramsay, who climbed from 17th to second place.
Maria Cucalon of Ecuador claimed the Women’s title with 112 points, placing seventh overall in a field of competitors from 14 countries. Cucalon’s performance highlighted the versatility of the Sunfish One Design Class, accommodating sailors of all sizes and ages. Second place among women went to Caterina Romero (PERU), and third to Constanza Paz Maria Olivares Reyes (CHI).
Medals were also awarded in the following categories: Youth (under 19 years), Apprentice Master (40-49 years), Master (50-59 years), Grand Master (60-69 years), Great Grand Master (70-79 years).
Results: here
What is the Sunfish Class? Sunfish are single-handed sailboats. Raced and cruised in over 20 countries, this flexible, tunable rig makes it suited to a diverse range of sailors. Few classes have women, youth, and masters regularly finishing in the top 10 (or winning!) national and World Championships.