News

Doyle sailmakers Matt Allen and Andrew Schneider took first place at this year’s Vanguard 15 Midwinters fleet race in Sarasota, Florida. Allen, the defending Midwinter Champion and class president, and Schneider, a two time All-American sailor, braved extreme weather conditions to win four races, placing first overall.

The Vanguard Midwinters are a two part event, featuring two days of fleet racing followed by three days of team racing. Initial weather was cold, with light to moderate wind conditions, but the second fleet day brought colder temperatures, heavy rain and thunder. Wind speeds stayed above 20 knots the entire day. Despite the conditions, Allen and Schneider managed to perform with consistency and excellence.

As an additional challenge, Allen and Schneider had never sailed together before. Although both are experienced sailors, “Sailing with someone new there are always little things you try and figure out different skippers like to do things differently,” says Schneider. Allen has more than ten years’ experience on the Vanguard 15 and three years as class president. He has been recognized as an All-American, winner of the Hinman in 2005 and spent six years coaching at Merchant Marine Academy, finishing his tenure there with four years as the head coach. Schneider is a two time All American, two time Boston College MVP and two time conference MVP.

Allen and Schneider also competed in the team racing with Charles Higgins, Stephanie Roble, Gordon Wolcott and Mike Komar. After two days, the team had ten group wins and six gold fleet wins, placing them third overall. However, the below freezing temperatures in Florida caused a case of frostbite to prevent them from sailing the third day, dropping them to a seventh place finish.

The Vanguard 15 Midwinters are a highly completive event, drawing some of the best dinghy sailors in the country. Allen and Schneider proved that they are masters of speed, tactics and maneuvering. Congratulations to Matt and Andrew!