PHOTOS: Sunfish Racing Heats Up

Searing heat and steady winds swamped sailors competing in the North American Open Championship of the 2011 Sunfish Regatta off of Barrrington Beach on Friday afternoon, July 22.

It was way hotter than usual for Sunfish racing. But the steady winds gave competitors exactly what they needed on the first day of the Open championship being hosted by the Barrington Yacht Club.

An international Sunfish racing field competed Friday afternoon in the first races of the 11-race competition. The second day of racing takes place today; the final races are on Sunday, July 24.

Approximately 80-100 sailors are competing for the Open championship, including the defending champion, Bill Brangiforte of Weymouth, Mass.

“He’s certainly the guy to beat,” said Eric Woodman, the Northeast representative to the U.S. Sunfish Class Association. But racers at the highest international level, including sailors who are part of the Olympic programs for several Central American and Caribbean countries are on hand.

“The top ten qualify for the world championships in Ecuador,” Woodman said.

Food, refreshments and awards will be given out at the yacht club after the races on Sunday.

See another photo gallery compiled by Rob Migliaccio, who spent a second day on the bay. See racing results at the yacht club website.