Rob Seidelmann new RC Laser North American Champion
Rob Seidelmann from West Jersey RC Laser Fleet is our 2018 RC Laser North American Champion. Rob, sailing in his home waters of Cooper River in Collingswood, NJ won this championship with just 14 points over a fleet of 20 contenders. Second place was 2014 National Champion Dave Brawner with 16 points. Don Barker from Chestertown, MD placed third, with Bill Bentz from Fort Lauderdale FL placing fourth.
Winning the Silver Fleet was Jeremy Macan with 33 points beating out fellow Raritan fleet mate second place winner Frank Scalisi who scored 34 points. Joe Paradine, from Newtown Square, PA placed third.
This year’s regatta was hosted by Cooper River Yacht Club in Collingswood, NJ. Friday’s practice sailing gave the traveling skippers some time to enjoy the free sailing followed by a cookout at the Yacht Club. Vice Commodore Tommie Ann Gibney was our regatta host who’s southern (Jersey) hospitality was enjoyed by all the visiting skippers and guests.
Saturday’s race day, which had the best weather so far this year, was a perfect B sail breeze for both the seeding races and the Gold and Silver fleet final series. Winds stayed out of the southwest with only small wind shift changes from the initial course. Race Director Jim Greenfield kept the seeding races moving in order to separate the Gold and Silver Fleets by lunch. After lunch the qualifying Gold Fleet hit the water and sailed two races followed by two Silver fleet races. Sailing continued until 4pm. Both Rob Seidelmann and Dave Brawner won two races in the Gold fleet to separate them from the rest of the fleet. In the Silver Fleet Jeremy Macan won two races with Greg Ryan and Frank Scalisi each winning a race. Saturday night’s dinner was an Italian feast which followed drinks and snacks hosted at Cooper River Yacht Club.
Overnight the weather changed so drastically that the races were cancelled for the second day. Special awards presented were to Bill Bentz, traveling the furthest Fort Lauderdale, Jeremy Macan highest scoring skipper from the largest away fleet. Joe Paradine was awarded a new B sail by the class secretary, who said he’d never seen anyone sail with a B sail in worse condition!
The proceeds for the regatta and the RC Laser raffle benefitted the Cooper River Yacht Club Junior Sailing Program. Thank you to all that participated in the raffle.
Thank you to the Flag Officers and members of Cooper River Yacht club, Tommie Ann and her kitchen crew, Jim Greenfeild Race Director, Maryann & Beth score keepers, Rob Seidlemann Honorary Regatta Host, and Victor Oberg West Jersey RC Laser Fleet Captain.
| GOLD FLEET | ||
| Place | Skipper | Points |
| 1 | Rob Seidelmann | 14 |
| 2 | Dave Brawner | 16 |
| 3 | Don Barker | 20 |
| 4 | Bill Bentz | 27 |
| 5 | Dave Branning | 30 |
| 6 | Ryan Lippincott | 33 |
| 7 | Jim Flach | 36 |
| 8 | Victor Oberg | 39 |
| 9 | Harry Henkel | 49 |
| 10 | Konrad Richter | 57 |
| SILVER FLEET | ||
| Place | Skipper | Points |
| 1 | Jeremy Macan | 32 |
| 2 | Frank Scalisi | 33 |
| 3 | Joe Paradine | 41 |
| 4 | Randy Dickerson | 49 |
| 5 | Bill Sysyn | 52 |
| 6 | Ray Szulczewski | 53 |
| 7 | Mark Daddino | 54 |
| 8 | Greg Ryan | 56 |
| 9 | Tamara Brunker | 62 |
| 10 | Kevin LeCompte | 67 |
