Amid the captivating world of competitive sailing, the recent 2023 Mercury Nationals hosted by San Francisco Yacht Club showcased a remarkable fusion of talent, strategy, and craftsmanship. With great pride, our team at Ullman Sails Newport Beach had the privilege of contributing to this event’s success, serving as the sailmaker behind now two-time Champion Mike Burch’s sails. 

Winner Mike Burch is a seasoned sailor with an extensive history in the Mercury class having many Nationals under his belt including a win in 2005, and 2nd place in 2021 and 2022.  For the Burch family, the Mercury Nationals are more than a competition; it’s a cherished family tradition. His son Kyle and daughter Kristen alternate who gets to join Mike out on the water. Their goal is simply to go out and have fun, and they absolutely accomplished that. This year was Kyle’s turn and Mike said “from the minute we left to the minute till when we got back we just laughed and giggled the whole time”. Their partnership and focus together proved to be what it took to earn the victory.

This event was one for the books, with typical San Francisco gloom and challenging conditions. Mike reported shifty winds of up to roughly 30-40 degree as well as frequent pressure changes that made tricky racing throughout the event. Friday, the first day of racing,  brought lighter winds but their boat, Jade, excelles in these conditions and they ended the day in 3rd place with 12 points (5 points out of 1st). On Saturday, the final day of racing, they were able to use their good boat speed and act on those “magic puffs that fell from the sky”. They were able to pull ahead of key competitors on the last downwind leg of the final race to secure the overall victory. Mike said Kyle “was so focused, so clued into what we were doing” and credited his son’s laser-like focus with propelling them into victory.

When asked about the performance of their sails, Mike expressed immense satisfaction, especially in the light winds on Friday. Overcoming a unique rigging challenge with an occasionally tricky backstay, their strategy of easing into puffs proved effective. The winning set of sails were the always easy to trim and fast Ullman Sails MERCM07F cut mainsail and the standard Ullman Sails Mercury Class Jib. While bringing home the trophy was undoubtedly a sweet victory, it was the joy of sailing these distinctive boats and sharing quality time as a family that truly made the weekend special for the Burch boys.

Mike Burch’s contribution to the sailing community doesn’t end with his victory; he will be hosting a Mercury clinic at Cabrillo Beach Yacht Club on Saturday, November 11, fostering the growth and enthusiasm for these remarkable boats. Non-family members are encouraged to attend!

https://newportbeach.ullmansails.com/one-design-central/mercury/