San Diego Yacht Club One-Design Weekend

San Diego served up near-perfect weather for this last weekend's San Diego Yacht Club One-Design Weekend (Feb 20-21st) sailed off Coronado Island. Originally, the Finn Fleet was supposed to be the 'SCYA Midwinters regatta' and sailed out of MBYC, but due to VID19 and SCYA canceling the long-time traditional Midwinters event, SDYC hosted the Finn Fleet, along with the E22s, J/105s, and 29ers. On Saturday, after waiting for wind with ‘mirror glass-like water’ and 76 degree sunny temperatures, the Race Committee waited for the inland Santa Anna winds to subside and allow the sea breeze to fill in, which it did nicely. All three races on Saturday were sailed in beautiful 10-14 knots with the RC allowing for free pumping downwind combined with a huge Ocean swell, made for some lively sailing action. Race one and two saw SDYC’s Greg Morton back in his trusty Lemieux Finn winning the first two races wire to wire… with Newport Harbor’s Phil Ramming close behind, never scoring worse than 3rd for the day. After racing and while observing COVID19 restrictions, Finn sailors enjoyed the SDYC Pool Pavilion and outside lawn next to the Snack Shack and Bar, sharing sailing stories of the day's events while the sun setting over Point Loma made for a lovely evening. On Sunday, Phil Ramming must have gotten a good night's sleep as he came out swinging, winning both Sundays races with the fleet seemingly rounding every mark together in the lighter air conditions. Another SDYC member, Lee Hope sailing his Finn “Caution” sailed well on Saturday and Sunday staying mostly out of trouble in the lighter air and finishing the last race in 2nd place, securing 2nd overall for the weekend with Morton not sailing Sunday. Randy Benton sailing “Thin Blue Line” once again found his wheels upwind with numerous mark rounding in the lead and ended up finishing 3rd place overall. Phil Ramming sailed consistently throughout the weekend and winning both races on Sunday put Phil on top of the Podium- Congrats Phil Ramming! Another Ed note it was great to have legendary Bill Krysler down sailing his restored Lemieux Finn, first time together and back in the water after a beautiful restoration. For those that don’t know Bill, long-time Star sailor having sailed with both Tom Blackaller in the day and most recently the late Kim Fletcher among other sailing greats. Bill also was a big part of helping fund Caleb Paine’s successful 2016 Olympic Medal run, resulting in a Finn Bronze medal in Rio for the USA. Lastly welcome aboard new Finn sailor David Wood, out sailing his new to him Finn USA6, welcome both aboard!

Thank you to the great weekend and near-perfect work of the SDYC Race Committee and Sailing Office for accommodating the Finn fleet on such short notice. If you would like to join in the Finn sailing fun, please contact Finn Ca.VP / SDYC Fleet Captain Mike Dorgan for details, and if you're looking for a Finn to purchase- we have several Finns available in San Diego, from the beginner Vanguard w/ Carbon mast, or the mid-fleet Devoti w/ trailer to recent model Devotis, tricked out and ready to win races. Hope to see you on the water!

1.) Phil Ramming
2.) Lee Hope
3.) Randy Benton
4.) Mike Dorgan
5.) Greg Morton

Photos courtesy and by Mark Albertazzi, Gary Adler and Sarah Flemming, Thank you!!

Results

Photos my Mark Albertazzi