American Airline’s Sailing Team brings home First in Team, First North America Category, First and Third in Class trophies from the 2019 Interline Regatta

The Interline Regatta brings together airline crews from around the world to compete in a series of sailboat races in the British Virgin Islands using charter yachts from the Moorings BVI. This was the 37th year of airline competition based primarily on the skill of the crew, since no modifications of the boats are allowed, and each must sail with the inventory provided with the boat. 

American Airline’s crews took 1st the Best North American Entry, 1st in Team Sailing (with Lufthansa as the teammate), 1st in the competitive 42 ft class and 3rd in competitive 45 ft class. The crew was made up of American Airlines crew members Skipper Patrick Timothy (MIA/767/FO), Skipper Michael Pierce (MIA/737/CA), Tom Polanski (BOS/737/FO) and Jacqueline Cofan (MIA/FA). Additional crew-members consisted of Don Waller, Giuliana Jimenez, Dana Seiber, Chelsea Rogers, Angel Bussiere, Tom Polanski and Anna Sendl.

The first two days were focused on the learning the sailing characteristics of the boats to identify the best sheeting positions and the training crew for racing activities. Ideal wind conditions for the practice allowed the teams to enjoy some great sailing while increasing their proficiency as a racing team. Race days usually included a combination of a windward-leeward race followed by a race to a new island venue. 

The 43 ft team was tied for first in class after the first two days of racing with two firsts and two second place finishes while the 45 ft team encountered some tough competition with less than a minute separating them from the top finishers. A day of rest allowed some more time for sailing and to enjoy the BVI atmosphere followed by two more days of racing with intense competition in both the 43 and the 45 ft classes. 

The 43 ft Team continued their dominance with three firsts while the 45 Team continued to improve with two second place finishes followed by a first in section and first in fleet for the final race with extremely challenging light winds. Both Crews are looking forward to continued success in 2020 and hope to have three boats competing in different classes.

For more information contact:

Capt Michael Pierce
mpierce737@gmail.com
815-451-3420

Media Contact
Company Name: American Airlines
Contact Person: Michael Steven Pierce
Email: Send Email
Phone: 8154513420
Address:6305 Indian Creek Dr Unit 6D
City: Miami Beach
State: FL
Country: United States
Website: https://www.moorings.com/regattas-and-events/interline-regatta