Sportsmanship

The St. Francis Y.C. hosted the 2007 V15 Nationals this past weekend, where four races were sailed daily in the twelve-race, one throwout series. Flood tides and winds of 8-24 knots kept the 29 teams busy, and by the close of the event, only one point separated the top three teams. While it was Nick Adamson and Jago MacLeod that came away with the well earned title, the runner-up team may have come away with an equally stunning award. respect.
Comments event PRO John Siegel, "The eventual second place winner - Steve Hunt and Nick Kaschak - had been disqualified in race three for a rule 10 violation on a very close crossing. This clearly cost him the regatta. At the awards presentation, this sailor took the microphone and thanked the StFYC for a great regatta and added: '. although we were on the losing end of a protest in race three, we have to commend the protest committee for their professionalism. They made the right decision.' How often have you heard comments like this? Steve Hunt, a high school coach from San Diego, made these remarks on accepting the trophy with crew Nick Kaschak. When you hear comments like these, you remember why you happily spend so many hours volunteering for the sport."
>From Chuck Sinks: Steve Hunt is a phenomenal sailor, coach and role model.
What PRO John Siegel didn't mention is that Nick Kaschak, Steve's crew at the V-15 Nationals, is a member of the Point Loma High School Sailing Team (Class of '08) - the same team Steve coaches. I think the "setting a good example, and earn the respect of your competitors" piece of the coaching manual is in good hands. Kudos Steve and congratulations to Nick. Well done.