Nearly 200 Boaters From Around the World Set Sail At Clearwater Regatta

Mike Carr came from Annapolis to race against some of the world’s best boaters.

Although Carr, 18, was disappointed with his results, he gained some experience for next time.

“It’s a tough regatta,” Carr said.

There were 197 boaters from 15 countries competing in the Laser Midwinter's East regatta from Feb. 23 through Sunday (Feb. 27). The hosted the event.

Boaters came from countries including Norway, Canada, Puerto Rico, Switzerland and Denmark.

The boats launched from the Clearwater Community Sailing Center.

Carr, 18, sails for the Annapolis Yacht Club. This was the second time he has to the event

Carr, teammate Scott Houck and coach Dan Ryan enjoyed their time in Florida even without winning the regatta.

Ryan, was not looking forward to leaving Clearwater and his 16 hour drive back to the cold with a truck and trailer full of boats.

The top three winners from each event:

4.7 class (out of 12 boats)
1. Sebastien Schneiter, from the Societe Nautique de Genev of Switzerland
2. Liam McCarthy, from the St. Petersburg Yacht Club
3. Brad Shaw, from the Lakewood Yacht Club

Laser Stadard Gold (out of 40 boats)
1. Brad Funk, from the Lauderdale Yacht Club
2. David Wright, from the Royal Canadian Yacht Club
3. Clay Johnson, from Little Egg HarborEastern

Laser Radial Gold (out of 53 boats)
1. Paige Railey, from the Clearwater Yacht Club
2. Krystal Weir, from SYC in Australia
3. Juan Perdomo, of Real Club Nautico de Juan in Puerto Rico

Laser Standard Silver (out of 37 boats)
1. Greg Martinez, from the Texas Corinthian Yacht Club
2. Bob Tan, Servern Sailing Association
3. Ian Hill, from the RHYCKYC in Canada

Laser Radial Silver (out of 53 boats)
1. Nathaniel Johansson, from Coral Reef
2. Andrew Puopolo, MCSC
3. Alejandro Ruiz-Ramon, from Davis Islands Yacht Club