This winter started like summer in Southern California. I should say – even better than summer as the temperatures are mild and we have no overcast.
Aside from the first regatta in January (Champagne Series) which started in 30kts wind – the racing was canceled but just about everyone got a chance to swim, even Barrett Sprout – we have been very lucky to encounter perfect weather coupled with light winds and beautiful sunsets.
The real first meet this year was the Super Bowl regatta organized by the Santa Monica Windjammers YC as a charity event for the benefit of the Wellness Community a cancer patient support organization. We had 9 boats present – teh same number of participants as our 2011 North American Championship in Halfmoon Bay, CA! It was hard to believe.
Scott Tobin who had been absent from racing last year due to an injury was on the water with wife Becky. John Richardson with tactician Mark Brazil worked hard and sailed fast but lost the tie with Scott who had a bullet.
Vincent placed third tied with Wil Paul. But most remarkable was the effort put forth by the new boats that are now competing. Three new boats are now in the Marina del Rey waters including sail no. 3700 – the 2011 champ boat.
We are very excited indeed by the great showing for this first big event of the year. The small boat program at SMWYC has been energized and we will be working together to bring a second boat from that club in the fleet.
What a way to kick off the year! For results see SMWYC superbowl results page (Broken link 🙁 )
http://www.smwyc.org/pdf/SuperbowlRegatta2012ResultsRev.pdf