Weather Conditions

Sunday, June 29

The first day of racing began today with sunny skies under the San Francisco skyline.  The course is about an hour's sail from the yacht club.  Everyone left the dock by 10:30 and the warning was signaled at 12:30.

With winds from the west at about 12 knots to start, the breezes built up all day.  By the time of the last race, it was blowing a little over 20 and the seas were choppy.  Everyone had to work hard. There is no doubt about it - conditions were tough and they tested all of the competitors both mentally and physically.

San Francisco Yacht Club's entire team was out on the water all day, providing plenty of safety boats.  Several boats suffered breakdowns and had to be towed in.  Still, all the competitors gave the day an exhausted thumbs up.

There was some great racing.  In most cases the fleet was tight the entire race.  The 29ers were able to get off four races and the remaining classes got three off each.  In all cases, each sailor had to work their hardest.  It was a physically grueling day for the competitors and tomorrow forecasts to be the same.

As of today, the Californians are dominating most of the fleets. San Diego's Judge Ryan and Hans Henken hold a handy lead in the 29ers with four firsts.  In the 420, defending championship Tyler Sinks, sailing with fellow San Diegan,  Briana Provancha, is in first place. 

In the Laser class, just one point separates Luke Lawrence, member of the Elite Youth Development Team and Cam Cullman.  Newport Harbor Yacht Club's Chris Barnard leads the Radial Fleet, while local sailor, Claire Dennis is the top ranked woman in 9th place.