The tourists visiting San Francisco this weekend from Iowa had never seen anything quite like this . . . No, we’re not referring to Gay Pride Weekend, but rather the thrill of high speed skiff racing just a few yards off Pier 39.

Five 18-ft skiffs to competed in the American Sailing League inaugural Championship Series. Two announcers explained the action to the crowds that packed the pier, while PRO Matt Jones ran the races. Three 29ers also came out to play on the course in a junior division.

Three races were sailed on Saturday, with eliminations on Sunday and a championship match race. A brisk summer breeze filled in along the Cityfront, giving the competitors enough wind to race on, and the audience some thrills, as skiffs zoomed along in close quarters, sometimes wiping out. Racing fast boats at this location has potential as a spectator sport.

Team Harken, sailing the skiff with the American flag spinnaker - took home the hefty $10,000 purse. Here are the names of the teams - some of these sailors may sound familiar to you:

Team Harken: Patrick "Whitey" Whitmarsh, Kevin Richards, Joe Penrod

Cabot Cheese: Archie Massey, Matt Noble, Rory Griffin

Switch Team: Cam McClosky, Danny Cayard [Paul’s son], Erik Aahkus

Skiff Sailing Foundation: Chad Freitas, Dan Malpas, Jonny Goldsberry

Natural Blue: Dan Brandt, JV Gilmour, Brian Malouf

For more information, see the American Sailing League’s website at www.americansailingleague.com.

Our complete photo gallery is online, including some exciting sequences - be sure to check it out. This is just a small taste of what’s in store when the 18-ft Skiff International Regatta comes to the St. Francis YC, and the Antepodeans come to town.