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Home 2025 BNAC Boat Case Study, summary

2025 BNAC Boat Case Study Summary                           BCA Members get the full 2025 BNAC Boat Case Study here                          
by Sean Kenealy

πŸ”Ή Overview

The 2025 Buccaneer 18 North American Championship (BNAC) took place at Big Lake, Alaska, hosted by the Alaska Sailing Club. Due to the remote location, boats were provided and rotated among all teams to ensure fairness. Thanks to meticulous preparation (especially by Steve Ryan), the fleet had minimal mechanical issues and high parity.


  • Fleet Size: 12 A-Fleet and 9 B-Fleet teams

  • Conditions: Moderate wind (4–9 mph, gusts mid-teens), flat water, cool temps (50s–60s Β°F)

  • Key Insight: "It’s the sailor, not the boat." While slight equipment differences existed, crew skill was the most decisive factor.

πŸ”Ή Boat Equipment Variations

  • Some boats had high booms, others low booms

  • Sails varied: Schurr, North, Quantum; Dacron or laminate

  • Only one boat (Blue Boat 6) showed consistent underperformance, likely due to older Dacron jib and flat main

πŸ”Ή Performance Findings

βš–οΈ Boom Height Comparison

  • A-Fleet: Low boom boats outperformed high boom boats (avg. finish 6th vs 7th)

    • Top 2 boats: Orange Whip and Red Boat (both low boom)

  • B-Fleet: High boom boats slightly edged out low boom boats (avg. 4th vs 5th)

    • Top high boom boats: Dynsius and Blue Boat 2

🧡 Sailmaker/Material Observations

  • Minimal influence overall

  • Some teams (e.g., Team A, J, K) performed better with Quantum jibs

  • Some preferences for Dacron vs laminate in individual cases

πŸ”Ή Team Highlights

πŸ† A-Fleet Champions: John Weiss & Jay Foght

  • 4 wins, worst finish 5th, avg. finish 2.8

  • Dominated in low boom boats

πŸ… B-Fleet Champions: Trevor & Rachel Bach

  • 3 wins, worst finish 5th, avg. finish 2.3

  • Consistent across boom types, slightly favored low booms

Notable A-Fleet Performers:

  • Ed Montano & Shannon Devine – 2nd overall

  • Evan & Elizabeth Scott – 3rd overall

Notable B-Fleet Performers:

  • Gabe Black & Adrianna Ramirez – 2nd overall

  • Geoff & Cathy Wright – 3rd overall

πŸ”Ή Conclusion

Despite variations in sail type, boom height, and materials:

  • Boat rotation worked: ensured fairness and allowed sailor skill to shine

  • Low boom boats slightly favored in A-Fleet

  • High boom boats more favorable for B-Fleet, possibly due to ergonomics for older or less mobile sailors

  • Only one boat consistently underperformed across both fleets

US Sailing
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