By Nancy Mellon
On Saturday, Sept. 10, the 38thAnnual sailing of the Little Old Ladies and Gents Regatta will take place in Newport Harbor, hosted by Balboa Yacht Club.
The boats used are the 8-foot Naples Sabots, often used for teaching our young beginning sailors, but also great for adult competitions. Members of the Southern California Women’s Sailing Association and others attend the event, coming from San Diego, Long Beach and points in between. One-third of the members of SCWSA are men.
SCWSA sponsors a series of five events each year. The first is at Mission Bay Yacht Club, the second at Newport Harbor YC, the third at Balboa Yacht Club, the fourth at Alamitos Bay Yacht Club and the final regatta is held at San Diego Yacht Club, where overall trophies are awarded.
The racers are divided into five classes – Ladies A, Ladies B, Men, Clydesdales (over 200 pounds) and Mixed Novice (both men and women). Typically 30 to 40 racers participate, enjoying awards and delicious food, as well as great competition and camaraderie. Depending on the wind conditions, at least three races are held, each lasting more than a half-hour. Racing is held in the harbor between the Pavilion and Balboa Yacht Club.
Trophies to be awarded include one that was first awarded in 1974. The list of winners of the Bank of Newport Perpetual includes many names that are familiar to Newport sailors.
For details and registration, visit balboayachtclub.com.
