Sailors of the month: John McRoberts and Scott Lutes

Sailors of the month

RS Venture Connect duo John McRoberts and Scott Lutes earned bragging rights as the Helly Hansen Sailor of the Month.

The team had a top finish at the 16th C. Thomas Clagett, Jr. Memorial Clinic and Regatta and the 2018 U.S. Para Sailing Championships in June and the sailors were ready to give it their all at the 2018 World Sailing Para World Championships.

Taking place from the 16th to 22nd of September 2018 in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, the event gathered 98 sailors from 39 nations ready to hit the water and compete against some of the best in the world. In a first for the Para World Sailing Championships, the RS Venture Connect adopted a ‘winner-takes-all’ final race.

Sailors were assigned different boats each evening, making the first race of the day a bit challenging as every boat has its differences.

“Although they’re the same, there’s always a few things which are different and that was quite nice,” says Lutes.

Securing a spot in the final, the CST athletes competed against the top four teams within the fleet. After a full day of racing, the duo earned a spot on the podium, claiming the bronze medal.

“It was a challenging week on many levels, it wasn’t what we hoped for, but it was a pleasure sailing with Scott and working with Ken Dool,” said McRoberts. “I couldn’t have done it without them.”

Sail Canada’s Sailor of the Month award acknowledges sailing achievements by Canadians involved or associated with the sport in all its forms. Sail Canada encourages the submission of noteworthy Canadian sailing activities to communications@sailing.ca.