It seems like the summer boating season has started off with a big bang even though not one yacht club has had their annual opening day events!
Last weekend was the “Baldwin Cup” at Newport Harbor Yacht Club in locally built Schock Harbor 20s. It was an International event and if I read the race results correctly, Larchmont Yacht Club won the event, Newport Harbor Yacht Club placed second and Seawanhaka Yacht Club was third. Bravo to the Newport Harbor Yacht Club.
As we were running down the bay to participate in the sailing race “The Border Run,” I shot a photo of the event which I’ve included. Kudos to the Newport Harbor Sea Scouts for participating in the “Run” in their race yacht “Dare” which I also shot while the race boats powered to the race start area off the Balboa Pier.
I noticed two adults aboard as observers and the rest of the crew was a handsome young bunch running the yacht and preparing to rig the “racehorse.”
As is common this time of year, the race was lacking blustery conditions. It took us twice as long as we hoped to the finish line. We made use of the summer-like sunshine and added to our tan. Captain Rod had everything ship-shape and we’re looking forward to the next regatta hoping for high winds which is what the boat is designed for.
There were several 60-foot plus sloops entered and I suspect were using the series as a tune up for the upcoming race season.
The race skippers meeting was held in the historic Balboa Inn on Main Street. The trophy presentation was hosted at the Dana Point Yacht Club. Their club and members rolled out the welcome mat and their hospitality was the rule of the evening.
Gary Jobson gave a fantastic presentation last Friday evening at the Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club on Bayside Drive. This was a fund raiser and celebration of the upcoming Leukemia Cup sailboat race. Gary was navigator for Ted Turner on “Courageous” when they won the America’s Cup following our very own Bill Ficker’s America’s Cup win. For the last 25 years or so he has hosted television coverage of the America’s Cup and written several books with regards to his life of sailing. It was a terrific program!
A little bit of fishing news. Last weekend I noticed several serious fishermen on tournament style boats working Newport Harbor. I suspect they’re getting a head start for the Balboa Angling Club’s “Lily Call” inside the bay tournament. The lovely Judy Belle and I will do everything possible to prepare Gypsy IV for the April 27 – 28 tournament. Be there or be square!
Sea Ya,
Skipper Steve
