JIM DAMASKE | Times
Helena Scutt, front, and Paris Henken, the top American sailors in the 49er FX class of boat, get in some practice for championship racing to be held today through Sunday off Clearwater Beach. Clearwater is hosting the Olympic-level sailing competition this week in the form of the 49er, 49er FX and Nacra 17 North American Championships, hosted by the Clearwater Community Sailing Center. The event will serve as a prelude to next year's World Championships at the same venue. The three types of boats sailing at the event will be the fastest classes selected for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.