October 3, 2013

With the America's Cup in town, the Open 5.70s lost their normal September regatta spot. However the fleet enjoys traveling, and several members had been chatting up Santa Cruz as a possible future venue. Turns out the Santa Cruz Yacht Club was hosting their one design race and a Jack And Jill race on the same weekend we had scheduled. So, a quick call to Beau Vrolyk, SCYC Race Chair and PRO, and the 5.70s were in.

A downwind leg on Saturday between rain and sunshine. ©2013 Eric Zbinden

Twelve Open 5.70 joined the race on Saturday, September 21, with some unstable weather. The first rainy front was just passing over the Northern California coast the same day. However, the rain periods were brief and were quickly replaced by a sunshine. The residual swell created good conditions for some nice surfing when the wind picked up in the afternoon.

Twelve Open 5.70 on the starting line on Saturday. ©2013 Eric Zbinden

Tracey Kenney with Peter Evans and Rick De Roulhac on Mor Shenanigans won four bullets and grabbed the first place. Here is what Peter Evans, special guest on Mor Shenanigans, who has participated as tactician in multiple America’s Cup campaigns, had to say on his first regatta in the Open 5.70. "The regatta was very interesting for me for a number of reasons. One was that I'd never sailed on a Open 5.70 before, and another was that I was sailing with Tracey and Nick, who I'd also never sailed with before. Add the fact they were both avid Oracle supporters, the America’s Cup was still going, and then add me in there as a Kiwi, and that made for some very lively banter! I also came away very impressed with the boat. It has a great combination of speed and simplicity. The systems onboard were simple but easy to use, and performance from the light but powerful hull was impressive. One feature which stood out was the control the twin rudders provided – even in the fresh downwind conditions there was never any issue jibing. Overall a great boat with a relaxed, fun group of sailors in the fleet."

Nick De Roulhac, Tracey Kenney and Peter Evans receiving the first place perpetual trophy of the Open 5.70 fleet with Beau Vrolyk, SCYC race chair. ©2013 Marc Finot

Marc Finot, Stephen and Emma Woodward on Frolic took second place (2-3-3-2-1), followed closely by Dave Peckham, Rathnait Donegan and Bruce Ladd on Revenge from Mars (4-2-2-3-2).

Marc Finot and Emma and Stephen Woodward on Frolic. ©2013 Eric Zbinden

Dave Peckham, Rathnait Long and Bruce Ladd on Revenge from Mars. ©2013 Eric Zbinden

After this first successful experience of the Open 5.70 fleet on the Santa Cruz coast, the fleet is looking forward to future adventures with SCYC next year. Thanks to Beau, the Club Managers Greg and Jennifer, and the members of SCYC for a fantastic weekend on and off the water. See full results here.

– Marc Finot and Dave Peckham, Open 5.70 Fleet