Team USA retain IODA Challenge Cup
PATTAYA: Team USA beat Team China in a dramatic sail-off at the Optimist World Championship 2017 to retain the IODA Challenge Cup yesterday.
In high winds of 13-18 knots, the Americans set off in the morning alongside 15 other teams, each determined to do their best on the final day of the team championship.
Team USA beat Ireland, Germany, Thailand and Singapore to earn a place in the final sail-off.
In contrast, the Chinese had to duel with six teams to secure their spot in the final.
Ironically, in their second race, they were beaten by the Malaysians but in the showdown for the second berth in the sail-off, the Chinese defeated Team Malaysia who took bronze.
The final was a best-of-three race series with the first race won by Team USA and the second by Team China.
Team USA then won the deciding race. Team USA spokesman Justin Callahan, the only remaining member of last year’s winning side, did not hesitate when asked about the team’s secret to success.
“Chemistry and synergy on the team,” Callahan said.
He added: “It was going to be challenging. All the teams are excellent. We knew that going into the day.”
Team USA coach Lior Lavie credited runners-up Team China as excellent in the event.
The other members of the team were Stephan Baker, Liam O’Keefe and Charlotte Leigh, who were beaming ear to ear at the end of the day as well.
The team’s only issue now is how to get the large IODA Challenge Cup back to their country as the box that carried it over is damaged.
The Optimist World Championship 2017, which has a record 281 sailors from 62 countries, is being organised by the Royal Varuna Yacht Club with the endorsement of the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand.
The eight-day tournament ends Friday.