Gate 6 ½ Teen Sails in World Championship Regatta

Oscar prepares to compete | photo from Nicole Melet | post by Larry Clinton

Oscar Melet of Gate 6 ½ competed in the recent world championship regatta for 420 class two-person trapeze and spinnaker racing dinghies.

The regatta was held in July at the Real Club de Regatas de Alicante on the Mediterranean coast of Spain and included 277 crews from 22 countries. He was one of 40 talented sailors who qualified to join Team USA for the largest Team USA to ever attend an overseas 420 Worlds. Members of the team hailed from all across the country, including the Northeast (NY, CT, NJ), Northern and Southern California, South Florida and Washington DC, representing 16 yacht clubs.

While Oscar and his crew mate didn’t medal at the regatta, it was a great experience for the 15-year- old and his family.

My wife Jane and I have enjoyed watching Oscar practice sailing and wind-surfing right off Gate 6 ½ Dock. In his spare time, Oscar has organized two bay cleanup days off the dock as well.

Oscar’s 13-year-old sister Bea has been named to the US Optimist Development Sailing Team which develops and prepares sailors for future invitations to the National Team.

Congratulations to Oscar and Bea, and best wishes for continued sailing success.