Bermudian sailors PJ Rodrigues and Jordan Vieira endured a weekend of contrasting conditions as their Eckerd College team finished 13th overall at the prestigious Nevins Trophy.
The Tritons compiled a 253-point tally across the two days of competition to place 13th in an 18-strong fleet.
Heavy weather tested the sailors to their limits on day one, with cold temperatures, surging waves, and relentless winds of 20 to 33 knots gusting up to 38 knots. Rodrigues teamed up with Will Alvarado in the Flying Juniors (FJs) for the A Division, while Vieira partnered Avery Guck in the Club 420s across the B Division.
Despite the A Division being forced to sit out a set amid the bruising conditions, Eckerd rallied to complete the final races of the day, ending the opening eight-race card in 12th place on 173 points.
The fleet was greeted by far gentler surroundings on day two, as sunshine, lighter seas, and breezes between eight and 10 knots replaced Saturday's squalls.
Though the divisions swapped craft, fading winds late in the afternoon prevented race officials from completing the full 14-race schedule. However, Eckerd ended on a high when their B Division crew took victory in the regatta's final contest.
Rodrigues and Alvarado finished 12th in the A Division on 129 points with six top-half finishes, while Vieira and Guck concluded their weekend 13th in the B Division on 124 points, having banked four top-half results.
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