By By Jared Florreich/staff writer
June 8, 2003
Despite the overcast and unexciting weather, seven sail boats with their masts high, looked to catch a gasp of wind and compete as the State Games of Mississippi Sailing competition got underway at Okatibbee Lake Saturday.
On this day, the sailing left much to be desired.
Preliminary events were held on Saturday, with the medal races set for today.
According to Smith, though a bit unusual and not a typical competition like basketball or soccer, Sailing is in the State Games for a reason.
This year, Smith said he was more worried about a lack of participants, and not as concerned with the weather.
Smith explained that there were two different classes of competition, cruising and centerboard.
According to Smith, scoring is based on a handicap system.
Leo Potvin, a sailing advocate for over 20 years, has never missed the sailing competition. Potvin, from Petal, said the weather conditions made the racing tough.