Neil Pryde Hawaii State Championship
Rigging Up at Kanaha – Credit: Harry Wiewel
Report by MauiSails’ very own
(and US National defending champion!)
Phil McGain
The final slalom event of the year took place at Kanaha beach park last Saturday July 27 in typical trade wind conditions. Competitors showed up from various parts of the world to contest this famous Hawaii State Championship. Apart from the local sailors the next biggest contingent was from New Zealand.
Battle at the First Mark – Credit: Jimmie Hepp
Micah Buzianis was the star of the day winning eight consecutive heats to claim two divisions, the mens Pro and Mens age group 40-49. Buzianis, a veteran Professional windsurfer from Paia, nailed his starts all day and had awesome board speed to beat out Dan Ellis and Peter Slate in the pro divison. In the mens 40-49 Buzianis had his hands full with Phil McGain giving him a bit of run but in the end McGain settled for second place with Kevin Ozee in third position.
Dan Ellis had another excellent day to top off his season, putting together some near perfect heats to walk away with the mens 19-39 age group with Neil Turpin coming second and Samuel Perez in third place.
In the Womens Division Tamara Bockius won her third straight State Title by beating out Argentina Bonilla Jimenez and racing in her first season Diane Takemoto got herself on the podium in third place.
Mike Yasak once again proved he’s the most consistent sailor in the mens 50-59 age group, however he was pushed all the way by Chris McNeil and Sam Bockius, who took second and third places. Todd MacFarlane is the state champion in the Mens 60-over division with Ted Hunter in second and Greg Thomas in third place.
Special Mention has to go the juniors with Deniz Bicakci who has raced well all year taking the title from Taylor Boyd and Connor McKenney. We look forward to these boys growing into Men in the future and racing with the big boys.
All results Below.
RESULTS OF THE NEILPRYDE HAWAII STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS:
MAUI RACE SERIES FINAL STANDINGS: