Between March 19 and 25 the Yacht Club Argentina, together with the ISCYRA, organized the South American Championships of the Star Class in the city of Mar del Plata, Argentina The event was declared as one of touristic and sporting importance for the General Pueyrredon Municipality.

In this important Siler category Championship, a designation which is reserved for continental or hemispheric events, 17 teams took part representing Brazil, Chile, USA and Argentina. The regatta program was for seven windward-leeward five legged races in front of the Playa Grande with one day in reserve.

Acting as Race officials were Marcel Bacque as Chairman, Teodor Kundig as Race Committee Chair and Jeronimo Bertone as assistant to the Regatta Commission. The International Jury consisted of Carlos D. Diehl, Flavio Naviera, Luis Velasco, Rodolfo Vollenweider and Scott Perry (Uruguay).

During the first two days, boat measurements were done, as well as competitors’ accreditation, and a practice race was run for training. At the end of these two days there was an Opening Ceremony in which the flags of the participating countries and of the Star Class were raised., followed by a welcoming cocktail reception for the event organizers and competitors.

On Wednesday, March 21 at noon was given the signal to leave the dock for the first race of the Championship, to be followed by the second race. The weather conditions for the two races had wind from the NE at an intensity of 14 and 10 knots, respectively. Wins were taken by Gastao Brun and Alessandro Pascolatto from Brazil, In the first race at the windward mark there was a collision between the teams of Carlos Rivero (USA) and Alberto Zanetti (ARG) which produced such a large hole in the Argentine boat that is could no longer thak part in the regatta. The American team retired immediately from the event assuming full responsibility for the incident.

On the second day, boats were held ashore due to lack of wind. The wind came from many directions at 3-4 knots. Around 11 am the order was given to sail to the course. About 11:30 the postponement flag went up until an hour later when the only race of the day was started. The wind rotated constantly causing course changes and ending up finally from the ESE. Winning the race was Guillemo Calegari’s Argentine team, followed by Fabián Mac Gowan and the Brazilian Gastao Brun in third.

On Thursday, March 23, it was possible to run two races as scheduled. On a cloudy day the wind blew from the SSE at 18-20 knots with gusts between 22-24 knots. The first race was postponed due to high wind until 3 pm. Winning both races was the team of Gastao Brun. As a consequence of the complicated conditions there were some breakdowns for various teams, the breaking of the rudder for the brothers Della Torre and Eduardo Farre, and for the Calegaris there were problems at the boom’s gooseneck that they were able to fix in order to start the second race of the day.

On that evening on the Playa Grande of the Yacht Club Argentino there was a dinner for the organizers, competitors, delegations, special invitees and area officials. At this get-together, the Commodore of the Club presented medals to all the participants and ribbons for those from other countries. At the same time, as in the custom, the International Star Class presented a color plaque to the club recognizing the organization of the event.

On the 4th and last day, racing was postponed until 1:30 pm due to the lack of wind. Finally wind came from the ENE sector at 7-8 knots with an ebbing current. It was only possible to complete one race and once again the winner was the Brazilian Gastao Brun who became the new South American Champion of the International Star Class.