20 Apr Holz Qualifies for USMRC at Oakcliff Season Opener
Oakcliff’s 2021 season opened this weekend with the David Storrs Memorial Regatta in Match 40s. The regatta is held in honor of Match Racing enthusiast, champion and long-time Oakcliff supporter David Storrs, who passed away in 2019.
Eight teams fought to qualify for the US Match Racing Championship which will be held this fall in Long Beach California. Peter Holz, a previous winner of the David Storrs Memorial Regatta, took first place in a close finals against Pearson Potts.
“I think throughout the week we were shaking off the rust, but I’m thankful I had the best team on the water to bail me out of sticky situations,” said Holz. “Pearson sailed incredibly well but we caught a couple breaks that set us over the edge.” Pearson Potts, a frequent Oakcliff match racer, took second with Peter Bailey rounding out the podium in third. See the full results on Clubspot.
PRO Patrick Burks honored David Storrs at the prize giving ceremony, remembering when Storrs won the Prince of Wales regatta, which was probably the “happiest moment of his life.” Event winner Peter Holz added “I had the privilege of sailing against David Storrs, and he was so great for the sport and generally an awesome competitor. This regattas is a great way to honor him.”
While competition was certainly stiff, many teams were thankful for the opportunity to safely get out on the water. “The Oakcliff International in 2019 was the last time we sailed together,” said Holz. “It was great to see everyone after COVID; it was great to be back on the water with my friends, doing some good sailing.” With their extensive COVID safety protocol, Oakcliff has been able to run high-level regattas safely throughout the pandemic, continuing into this summer.
Oakcliff has a full season of match racing planned for the summer, with regattas nearly every weekend and a World Match Racing Tour Academy program in August. Learn more and apply for the Academy, then check out our calendar for a full schedule of events.