Miles Herman as well as the Atlantic Highlands Sailing Education Program’s successful summer was honored at this week’s meeting of the Atlantic Highlands Mayor and Council and the young sailor was recognized for his first-place overall finish in the four-day event.
Herman finished first overall, followed closely by second place finisher Cooper Metzger, with Rhys Yanarelli, Grady Knechtel and Bodie Pierini securing 5th, 6th and 7th overall positions in the Junior Sweeps, the four-day event that drew 50 junior sailors from across Monmouth County.
Councilman Jose Pujols introduced Hrman and his father, and Mayor Lori Hohenleitner presented them with the certificate honoring the Sweeps.
The Sweeps was hosted by Shrewsbury Sailing and Yacht Club and Monmouth Boat Club with races held on both the Shrewsbury and Navesink rivers. Participants, in addition to the Atlantic Highlands Yacht Club, include the Monmouth, Shrewsbury River, Keyport, and Rumson Yacht Clubs and the Fair Haven Sailing Club.
This year 14 sailors from Atlantic Highlands competed, with six first-year races in the Opti Green Fleet, two in the Opti Red/White/Blue Fleet, two Laser sailors and two crews comprised of skipper and trimmer in the Club 420 Fleet.
There were two or three races daily at each club, and the Atlantic Highlands sailors consistently battled their way to the top positions, Pujols said. The sailors competed in weather conditions that ranged from light and variable to breezy and challenges with 10-15 knot winds which, the councilman added, “pushed both the smallest sailors and the more experienced fleet to their limits.”
Alex Christie, who finished strong in 13th position overall, gained the respect of spectators when he battled through equipment malfunction and a knock from his boom at the stat sequences.
In the green fleet, Atlantic Highlands had the most winning racers.
Of the nine boats in the ten races in the Opti Red/White/Blue fleet, Danny Weber placed 5th overall , Caroline Charleston switched mid-event from the Opti White Fleet at Shrewsbury to a Laser, claiming first overall in five races at Monmouth Boat Club in her first time racing the class.
Aidan Inglese joined Charleston with a third overall, making the first time at Atlantic Highlands fielded sailors in very fleet.
Team Deegan and Victoria claimed w5th place overall, with multiple first place finishes at Shrewsbury Sailing.
Pujols pointed out that the week of activity highlights Atlantic Highlands team’s growth, spirit and skill, saying that “sailors not only competing but excelling across every fleet made their mark one of Monmouth County’s premier Junior sailing events.”
Tired of Facebook? You can also Find ViniVidiScripto on the Following Platforms …
Herman Herman Herman
