Howdy Hughes, Collin Scoville, Dane Byerly and Carson Shields, from left, show off the Sears Cup they won – the first time a Lakewood Yacht Club team has won the prestigious award.
For the first time ever, the Lakewood Yacht Club youth team has won the Sears Cup, which is the oldest youth trophy in sailing and has been awarded since 1921 – bringing congratulations from the Lakewood staff and membership on bringing home the highly coveted award!
The United States Sailing Association’s 94th U.S. Junior Championships Regatta, one of the country’s most prestigious events for sailors ages 13-18, was held at Wianno Yacht Club in Osterville, Mass., Aug. 2- 6 and Lakewood was represented as home to the best of the best for youth sailors!
The team of Dane Byerly, Howdy Hughes, Collin Scoville and Carson Shields representing Lakewood won U.S. Sailing’s Junior Quadruple Handed Championship for the Sears Cup. The event was part of the Chubb U.S. Sailing Junior Championships and sailing took place in Wianno Seniors, a 25-foot Gaff Rigged Sloop, originally designed in 1914.
Eleven teams from around the United States qualified to compete in this year’s Sears Cup through area eliminations in their region. Racing took place in a variety of conditions on Nantucket Sound, with a great sea breeze being the norm late in the day.
The Lakewood team was strong in all conditions, effectively winning the event even before the last race. On the final day, the team sailed to its 6th win in 11 races while flying the Texas Flag from the mast. They ended up winning the event with 18 points in 11 races with second place 24 points behind them.
The Sears Cup is the oldest youth trophy in sailing and has been awarded since 1921. While this is the first time that Lakewood has ever won this prestigious award the young sailors are looking forward to keeping up with this trend!
In addition to Lakewood Yacht Club team winning the Sears Cup, Dylan Ascencios and Hunter Skinner, also represented Lakewood in the 420 class sailing for the Bemis trophy. Coming off several impressive events this summer, Dylan and Hunter looked to keep their momentum going. The two sailed most of the event in the top 10, but a tough final race saw them finish up at a still impressive 13th place overall.
In recognizing the success of the team, it’s important to also recognize Lakewood Sailing Director Marek Valasek, who joined the yacht club staff in May 2012 and has grown the club’s youth program into one that is recognized as stellar around the world. Due to his success, Marek was picked to judge the 2015 Opti Worlds to be held in Dziwon, Poland from Aug. 25-Sept. 5.
Lakewood Yacht Club is among the top 10 most prestigious yacht clubs in the United States and is currently celebrating its 60th anniversary. Lakewood’s boating tradition and history has beckoned those who love the water, as well as those that love to socialize and live life to the fullest. Visit lakewoodyachtclub.com for more information.
Bay Cup II Series
Lakewood Yacht Club veteran racer Uzi Ozeri holds the Bay Cup II Series crystal trophy he won for the J/105 Fleet on his “Infinity.” The series winners are those who have the best score in their fleet — combining Bay Cup I held in March and Bay Cup II held Aug. 1 on Galveston Bay. Pictured with him are regatta sponsor Steve Jurbala with DonQ Rum, LYC Commodore Joyce Maxell and Vice Commodore Don Mitchell.
Winning the Bay Cup II Series for the J/109 Fleet was Lakewood Yacht Club’s Al Goethe, third from right, on his “Hamburg.” Hosted by Lakewood Aug. 1, the Awards Ceremony was held in the club’s lounge during a party following the last race. Pictured with Goethe are LYC Rear Commodore Ashley Walker, regatta sponsor Steve Jurbala with DonQ Rum, Hamburg crew members Moray Sandison, Farley Fontenot, and Doug Cummings, along with LYC Fleet Capt. Jim Winton (far right).
By Mary Alys Cherry
