Kenneth Hilk captured the top spot with Mike Montague on his heels, while Matt Bounds took third in the Hobie 16 class on the opening day of the inaugural Charlotte Harbor Regatta on Charlotte Harbor, Florida.

Winds that held steady at 20+ all day created some aquatic fireworks and tested the racers' will and resolve. Video from Gustavo Pinto will show the thrills and spills, soon. Check back for footage and updates.

The regatta continues today with five additional classes, including the Flying Scot, Sunfish, Hobie Wave, Precision 15 and Laser, joining the Hobie 16s, S2 7.9s and Viper 640s that raced Friday.



Charlotte Harbor Regatta
Results from Day 1 of the Charlotte Harbor Regatta, Friday, Feb. 5, 2010.

Hobie 16
1st, Kenneth Hilk
2nd, Mike Montague
3rd, Matt Bounds