The ACOPEN brings together a wide range of one-design classes and other recreational watercraft, such as kitesurfers and stand-up paddleboards, for a series of regattas in conjunction with the America’s Cup Summer of Racing.
The action kicked off over the weekend with 30 kiteboarders taking part in the Kites and Big Cats Regatta, sanctioned by the American Kiteboarding Association. Kiteboarding originated on San Francisco Bay, and the male and female kingpins of the sport happen to be a brother and sister duo from the Bay area, Johnny and Erika Heineken.
The duo, the World and North American champions for their genders, placed first and seventh in the three-day regatta. Johnny Heineken finished with the low score of 10 points, counting all first-place finishes in his final scoreline and discarding a second in the 11-race, one-throwout series. Erika Heineken finished seventh overall after moving up two places on the final day of racing.
“We’re going around the same courses as the America’s Cup boats and playing the same game,” said Johnny, the 2012 Rolex Yachtsman of the Year. “It’s kind of a fun and easy transition where we get to learn a board sport that’s exciting and high-performance, but play the same game we grew up with.”
“It’s fast and it’s exciting,” said Erika. “It’s awesome to go out with your friends and go fast every day.”
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