Virgin Islands sailor Thad A. Lettsome has secured the lone qualifying spot for the 2023 Pan American Games in Chile, after finishing 6th overall in the ILCA 7 Men’s Division at the CAC Games in El Salvador on July 1, 2023. Photo: BVIOC

The CAC Games regatta marks a major accomplishment for Thad A. Lettsome, as it is the first time in over 30 years that a VI sailor has officially qualified for a place in the Pan American Games. Photo: BVIOC/File

With just two points separating Thad from the remaining competitors who were seeking Pan Am qualification, the racing was sure to be the hardest yet of the week with the Cuban, United States Virgin Islands, Mexico and Antigua all within grasp of the one spot.  

According to coach Chris Watters, in the first race of the day, Thad would get a good start and remain in front of the elite group, with the exception of the USVI sailor. 

Going into the second race of the day, the wind built to a steady 15-17 knots. The race committee was able to get off a clean start and Thad would put his best race of the series down with a solid 2nd place overall for race number 8 of the series. 

With Thad’s 2nd place, it would mathematically ensure that no one else could claim the Pan Am qualification spot moving forward, and also put Thad into 5th place overall.

History created

However, with the race committee squeezing in 1 final race just seconds before the cut-off time, it would come down to who beats who for the 5th overall. A close battle with the Guatemalan sailor saw Thad just slip back 1 point away from 5th overall and finish the regatta 6th overall - just a single point out. 

According to Watters, this regatta marks a major accomplishment for a VI sailor, as it is the first time in over 30 years that a sailor has officially qualified for a place in the Pan American Games.

The Santiago 2023 Pan Am Games, which take place October 25 - November 5 in Chile, will also serve as a continental qualifier for the 2024 Olympics, with 2 spots available for North American sailors.