Wednesday, September 6, 2006 · Page 12 Essex teens sail to national victory BY DANIEL SCHWAB Even though they don't live near water, Essex residents Andrew Byrne and Nathan Deneweth have proven themselves to be among the most accomplished young sailors in the country. The 17 year olds recently placed first in the Navy League of Canada's national regatta in Kingston, Ont. Aug. 19 to 27. In a 13-foot boat with two sails, Byrne and Deneweth performed at the top of their class in a series of races against 14 competitors in Lake Ontario near the mouth of the St. Lawrence River. With good weather and cooperating waves, the teens spent four days sailing in 10, two-hour races. Byrne, the skipper, said, "As the competition went along, it got harder to get ahead. Everyone else just started to pick up on their skills." Byrne admits that he and Deneweth, known as the 48th Agamemnon team, practised little before the event. But this wasn't Byrne's first time competing on the water. Last year, the third-year Windsor Sea Cadet placed 10th in the National Regatta. He then took a six-week sailing in British course Columbia, learning advanced sail settings and techniques. "Personally," he said, "I'd say I was well trained for the competition. I got used to trimming the boat perfectly to use the maximum of what I had." Deneweth, who was competing for the first time, admits to being "a little nervous." But together, the two, who've been friends since elementary school, brought "enthusiasm and excellence to the competition," said Jerrod Riley, national deputy director for the Navy League of Canada, based in Ottawa. "I could just tell by the smile on their faces that they loved it," Riley said. seemed "(Agamemnon) very enthusiastic about sailing and the program. The team related very well to other competitors and hopefully we'll see them next year. It was a joy to have the team in the competition." Riley said competitors are judged on several factors, but primarily on the time and the order they finish the race. Each team had 10 races and was allowed to throw out its two worst times. One lap around the triangle-shaped race was a couple of nautical miles, Riley said. As a skipper, Byrne controlled the main sail and Deneweth took care of the jib. Each would adjust tightness or flatness of the sails to maximize speed and maintain balance. The team that came in second place ... ranked only two points behind Agamemnon. "It was really close," Byrne said. "I was surprised we won," Deneweth admitted. Countryside Upholstery "For all your furniture needs" · Foam for cushions · Furniture Reupholstery · Repairs · Antique Restoration · Pick-Up & Delivery · Free Estimates NATIONAL SAILING CHAMPIONS Andrew Byrne, left, and Nathan Deneweth pose with awards they recently earned at the Navy League of Canada's National Regatta in Kingston, Ont. Aug. 19 - 27. The boys, both Windsor Sea Cadets, came in first place in the sailing competition. Auster Sisters concert The Auster Sisters are holding a concert at 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 8 at the Gesstwood Retreat and Camp Centre on Mole Road. The performance includes Belinda Bruce, a native of Windsor and Essex County, and Jane Gowan. Bruce released her solo debut record Dream Yourself Awake in 2005 and was nominated for Best 737-6720 Proprietor Tom Collins "Serving the Community for Over 30 Years" SEPT. 16-22, 2006 Princess Cruise Sale Solo Artist and Best New and Emerging Artist at the Canadian Folk Music Awards in 2005 and for Favourite Folk Artist at the Independent Music Awards in 2006. Gowan is known for her release Willing But Weak, which she released with her band the Jane be Janes in 2006. Book during our Cruise Sale and receive the following * $100 US shipboard credit per cabin * $120 US onboard coupon booklet * reduced deposit of 100 USD p/p Le r t lay t in! Professionally trained musician o ering private piano and theory lessons Fall-Season PROMO *Recommended Annually OVER See in-store for details. PLUMBING · HEATING · HVAC SERVICES · 30 Y Call & Book Today! Pre ve n t a t i ve Maintenance Check $ * FURNACE ONLY Offer valid until Oct. 31/06 13300 TECUMSEH RD. E., 519-979-9555 GREEN VALLEY PLAZA, TECUMSEH www.thetravelzoneinc.com All Caribbean/Mexico Sailings from Jan.- Apr. 2007 · RCM examination preparation · Just for Fun · Classical and Popular For more information call: Joyce Van Doorn 519 776 7093 89 Congratulations to our successful entrants to the Masters of Physical Therapy program Bethany Agocs University of Western Ontario Heather Smyth Queen's University EAR · 326-9018 · 238 Talbot St. West Leamington Good luck in your studies from your co-workers at Erie Shores Rehab 35 Victoria Ave., Essex 519-776-7222 375 Main St. E., Kingsville 519-733-4008 S