Charleston Race Week at Patriots Point

LeifandcrewCRW2015 tbLeif Sigmond is one of those people that keeps the sport of sailing going. He’s not only a competitor, he’s also an organizer and strong sailing advocate, and he’s been doing most of that for nearly his entire life. In 2016, Leif will be serving his second year as Vice Commodore of the Chicago Yacht Club. He previously served as Rear Commodore for two years and has been heavily involved in regatta organization and youth sailing. But mostly it’s his participation that helps the sport thrive.



LeifandcrewCRW2015Leif Sigmond and his crew on board Norboy at last year's CRW. Leif's wife Laura is hoisting the halyard (second from right) while leaf is partially hidden by his trimmer-tactician Dave Gerber.

Leif and his team enjoy traveling out of Chicago to compete at regattas. Until 2014, they raced a Tartan Ten, but then he made the switch to a J/70. Characteristically, Team Norboy sails about four or five travel regattas a
year, and since 2011, that’s always included Charleston.



When asked what brings him back to the Lowcountry each spring, he says “It’s a number of things. You can’t overlook the unbelievably great race organization and the wonderful warm weather venue (by Chicago standards). I think this regatta also offers terrific onshore activities for those who like to party and for families. But what I really like is the fact that it happens in a place where you have the marina, hotel and event headquarters all in one spot.”



 

On board Norboy, Sigmond steers while his wife Laura does much of the work up front. “She helps with sets and douses and helps trim the headsails. This year, in Charleston, we’ll be racing with another couple – Dave and Jessica Gerber from Traverse City, Mich. Dave has raced with us a fair bit.”



Sigmond refers to his J/70 as his “winter boat. In the summer,” he explains “I focus more on racing our Farr 40.”



Does he have any specific goals for Charleston this year? “Yes. I’d love to move up in the standings. I think we finished around mid-fleet last year. But what I love about the J/70 fleet in Charleston is that I get to sail against so many professionals. There aren’t a lot of sports where you can pay your entry fee and then line up against the best people in the sport. Because of that, we’re realistic about our expectations, but I can’t tell you what a thrill it is to sail against such unbelievable competition.”



All in all, says Sigmond, “if my wife and I could only do one travel 
regatta each year, it would definitely be Charleston Race Week.”

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