Opti Heavy Weather Regatta
Friday through Sunday the Opti sailors competed in the Optimist Heavy Weather Regatta. Saturday and Sunday counted as Race #4 in the Harken Series. The regatta was hosted by St. Francis YC at the Golden Gate. For an extra $35, kids could arrive two days early and and receive coaching in a Wednesday-Thursday clinic. On Thursday, the big boats in Division A were starting the Coastal Cup, so the tiny Optis wound up escorting them out the Bay.
Mom to kid: “So what did you do today?” “Oh, we went outside the Gate by the nun buoy in a raging ebb and watched the big boats sail by on their way to Catalina - and it was really foggy.” © 2009 Erik Simonson/www.h2oshots.com
If we understand the situation correctly, the BAYS #2 portion of the event moved to St. Francis YC after the race was canceled at Treasure Island Sailing Center, where it was originally scheduled to be part of the Summer Sailstice festivities.
Jack Barton wrangles his mainsheet while holding off (l-r) Cooper Weitz, Will Cefali (who would eventually win), and Frank Dair. © 2009 Erik Simonson/www.h2oshots.com
The Opti is a solo pram for youngsters ages 8-13. The class is divided into Green (for novice sailors), White, Red and Blue fleets. Even the greenies were invited to the Heavy Weather Regatta, but the race committee had the option of keeping them in the harbor. Approximately 50 kids raced in this event. If you look at the list of entries you may recognize some of the names, especially last names.
See St. Francis YC for complete results. Many thanks to photographer Erik Simonson for the contributions.
June 21, 2009
A fleet of Optimists raced in choppy waters off St. Francis Yacht Club Friday-Sunday. Lawson Willard, #15076, is leading this tight group. © 2009 Erik Simonson/www.h2oshots.com