Skip to content

SF Boys Enjoy Belgian Conditions

"Two Northern California Optimist families headed to Belgium for Nieuwpoort Race Week," writes Cindy Wondolleck.

Connor Bennett (left) and Dylan Wondolleck earned berths on Team USA for Nieuwpoort Race Week.

© Cindy Wondolleck

"At the US Optimist Team Trials in Key Biscayne, Florida, Dylan Wondolleck and Connor Bennett qualified for the USA Optimist team going to Belgium. They joined a team of 14 kids and two coaches from the US; all arrived in Belgium on June 26. They practiced for four days out in the North Sea, just up the coast from where the movie Dunkirk was filmed. The conditions varied, but it was mostly windy with waves and a strong current. Our San Francisco boys felt right at home."

Team USA’s Optis lined up and ready to race.

© 2018 Cindy Wondolleck

The regatta hosted 10 countries on July 1-4. "Dylan came in 24th/first American and Connor came in 33rd out of 110 boats." Connor sails for San Francisco Yacht Club; Dylan sails for Encinal YC and SFYC.

Leave a Comment




It’s been a busy weekend in the Pacific Cup with much of the fleet in the barn at Kaneohe Yacht Club, including most division winners.
As adults, it’s easy to forget how awesome summer is for kids. For three months, there’s no school, and kids live at the beach or the docks in a near-constant state of play.
We want to put another call out to any and everyone with a good sea story (or picture).