Winds cooperated Tuesday as some 80 sailors from around the world launched the Hobie 16 National Sailing Championships.
The world's top skippers were able to get in three races on the opening day. Competition will continue through the week with the final races scheduled Saturday.Salt Lake sailor Mike Shearer, who won this event the last time it was held at Bear Lake in 1978, put himself in the title race with one first place finish, followed up by a sixth and ninth. Crewing for Shearer is Mary Tuckett.
Officials reported that winds were good for the first race, but died down making sailing difficult for the final two events.
Keith Christensen of San Diego, Calif., the defending champion, also won a race on Tuesday.
Jeff Alter, the holder of the most national 16 titles and son of boat designer Hobie Alter, was expected to do well, but encountered problems on his first race when one of his sails came down.
The women's event was held last week at the lake. Light winds kept sailors beached on the final day of the event.