Alter Jr. Takes Early Lead in Sailing Qualifications

Hobie Alter Jr. won both of his races Wednesday to take the lead after the first day of championship qualifying in the Hobie 17 U.S. National Catamaran Sailing Championships. Alter’s two victories gave him 1.50 points, which put him ahead of second-place Randy Smyth, who has 2.75 points after the first day. Smyth had a first- and second-place finish in his two races.

The top 36 finishers after today’s second round of qualifying will advance to Friday’s finals. There will be four races today and each sailor must race in two of them.

Following Alter and Smyth are Carlton Tucker (who won one race Wednesday), John Drury and Enrique Figueroa. Brian Bell of Del Mar is in eighth place with 13 points. Other San Diego area sailors include Matt Miller of San Diego (16th place, 19 points), George Vandervort of San Diego (28th, 34), Paul Parizeau of Encinitas (30th, 35) and Fred Fogerty of San Diego (31st, 36).