Plastic Classic

July 17, 2011

Bay View Boat Club's 27th Plastic Classic went off without a hitch in classic San Francisco weather (fog). Limited to fiberglass boats 25 years old or older, the original intention was to bring out the speed challenged '60s era boats for some fun. Now that twenty-five means being a fast boat like Merit 25s, Hobie 33s and Laser 28s, the mood has changed a bit, but the skippers and crews still have a laid back approach to the racing.

The crew of Double Agent enjoying the fine weather. ©2011 norcalsailing.com

Overall winner Wings, a Columbia 5.5, still looks good after all these years . ©2011 norcalsailing.com

Pre-start jitters (not) on the Tarten Ten Centurion's Ghost. ©2011 norcalsailing.com

All the fleets sail the same 10 or so mile triangle course and most of the racers meet back at the ever inviting club for drinks and dinner. Fifty-six boats in three one design classes (Ranger 23, Olson 25 and Pearson Triton, out for their fleet championship) and five very mixed PHRF fleets made it around the course in respectable time with no more than 15 knots of breeze and flat water.

The infamous T mark is meant to distract. Rumor has it Carol Doda was the original T mark hostess. ©2011 norcalsailing.com

John Super and Carol Doda were featured in the November 1, 1985, edition of Longitude 122, after the first Plastic Classic. John still organizes the race. ©1985 Longitude 122

If you need a new challenge for your Columbia Challenger or want to try a new road for your Rhodes 19, brush the weeds off the bottom and show up for next year's race.

For results of this year's race, see www.plasticclassic.com.