2023 International Masters Regatta at San Diego Yacht Club - Day 1
by San Diego Yacht Club 21 Oct 2023 04:17 BST
October 20-22, 2023
2023 International Masters Regatta © Mark Albertazzi
Day one of the 2023 International Masters Regatta put this talented group of seasoned sailors to the test. Of the 12 accomplished veteran skippers at this year's event, none have yet to win the title. The competition spirit is high as we wait to see which team will earn the coveted blue blazer.
This year we have a truly international group of skippers hailing from Mexico, Canada, the United States, and Germany. America's finest city was showing off for its visiting guests with sunny skies, white caps on the water, and shifting winds that made for a challenging course. With the round-robin racing style and strategic course adjustments by Race Committee after each race, this international field showed why they are known as masters.
After a slight delay due to light winds, the first race started at 1200 with Yon Belausteguigoitia successfully winning the pin end. Nearly the entire fleet realized early on that the left side of the course was favored. They chased each other to that side, few choosing to tack before hitting the lay line.
Race Committee was able to pull of four races to kick off day one of the regatta. Skipper Scott Harris's consistency on the water helped his team end the day in first place. The local team earned a 4, 3, 3, 5, proving that it doesn't take a bullet to secure the top spot.
Skipper Tracy Usher's team claimed third place with 21 points. The team performed well in the heavier winds during the last two races, which played into the strengths of the Bay Area sailors.
What keeps these skippers coming back to this prestigious event year after year? Skipper Tad Lacey shares, "Sailing against my friends. It's age bracketed and I know all the skippers. I've been sailing against them for a long time and I've got a great crew." The skipper coming from San Francisco had a great day on the water, ending the day in second place by two points.
After the racing, competitors were invited to the Front Dock for beer sponsored by Ballast Point Brewing Company, lite bites and camaraderie amongst the teams. Tomorrow, teams will make it back to South San Diego Bay for the 1135 Warning Signal. After tomorrow's racing, skippers, crew and guests are invited to the Saturday Banquet, where they participate in a traditional, light-hearted roast.
Spectators are encouraged to bring out their boats or hop aboard a friend's for one or all of the racing days on the water! Remember to hashtag #sdycmasters when posting about the event.
Look out this year at each boat sporting a brand-new spinnaker. Every four or so years, at the end of their lifespan, spinnakers are replaced with the opportunity to be branded by local businesses. We look forward to seeing your logos fly on the city front! Thank you to those who bought a spinnaker for the next term: First National Bullion, Sailing Supply, South Coast Yachts, Crew Builders, Inc., and Marvin K. Brown.
Full results available here.