Santa Barbara, California, March 14, 2011 – Dawn broke on Santa Barbara on a somber note Friday, with the tragedy in Japan and a full-blown Tsunami Warning in effect for the Coast of California.
The tsunami produced little effect in Santa Barbara until the first half of the fleet had exited the harbor. The Race Committee boats, responding to the remaining racers, managed to tow eleven boats to the racecourse. However, current at the harbor mouth increased and prompted the Harbor Patrol to close the entrance before the last two boats could exit. Despite a postponement, neither of the two remaining boats were able to reach the racecourse; both received redress of average points for Race One. The Race Committee attempted two races and completed one in unusual swirling wind conditions, with breeze from 12 to 18 knots and large ocean swell.
Saturday saw three races completed in light air over predominantly flat water with some residual swell. The first race finished in drifting conditions, with the breeze topping out at 6 knots. However, racing remained close and challenging with large shifts throughout the day.
Sunday proved light and technical once again. The top four boats entered the final race nearly tied on scores. Both of the day’s races featured very close racing on relatively short courses. In the end, Loren Colahan on USA 556 Lounge Actemerged triumphant to take the trophy.
Many thanks to our host for the weekend, the Santa Barbara Yacht Club, and to all the boats who traveled from across California and beyond. Special thanks to our sponsors:
Corral Reef Sailing Apparel
Cerveza Pacifico
John Rushing Canvas Design
Melges Performance Sailboats
North Sails One Design
Velocitek
Next up: SDYC San Diego Melges Race Week | US Melges 24 Gold Cup, April 1-3.
RESULTS: SANTA BARBARA MELGES RACE WEEK. TOP FIVE (13 BOATS).
1. USA 556 Lounge Act, Loren Colahan: 1-(9)-2-3-5-2 = 13
2. USA 524 Bandit, Wolfe/White: 3-(8)-1-6-4-1 = 15
3. USA 303 Average White Boat, Pierce/Stokke: 2-4-4-4-2-(4) = 16
4. USA 52 Scotch Bonnet, Beale/Roberts: (8)-2-3-7-1-7 = 20
5. USA 657 Personal Puff, Dan Hauserman: 5-1-7-8-3-(9) = 24