While the 2011 Mini Transat is going full speed (racers are currently in the middle of the Atlantic with a little more than 1,000nm to go), Open Sailing decided to take a little break from the shore as well. Of course, we can’t leave as long…but sailing to Catalina from Marina Del Rey is always a great experience.

The goal was to race with other singlehanded and double handed racers from PSSA (Pacific Singlehanded Sailing Association). The race was starting from Palos Verdes, about 12nm south from Marina Del Rey to Catalina. With a start at noon, racers from MDR had to motor early in the morning (no later than 9am) to make the start. With a crying and sick 15 months old baby at home and some work to do at Open Sailing in the morning, I didn’t make the start but decided to join my PSSA friends anyway later in the day. (more…)

While the Open 5.70 isn’t exactly an offshore boat Magnus, the new owner of USA 310, showed the fleet that a crossing to Catalina and back on an Open 5.70 is not only possible but is also a lot of fun!!

The Pogo 2 dominated the top 10 in the first stage of the Charente-Maritime/Bahia Transat 6,50. Full results can be seen here.

With 1,100 miles behind them sailors now face the 3,100 mile leg from Funchal (Madeira-Portugal) to Salvador de Bahia (Brazil). The start of the second stage is set to take place on Thursday 13 October 2011. The race can be watched online using an online tracker.

Open Sailing is in Sailing World Magazine for the 2nd month in a row. This time the Pogo 2 is featured in their Tech Review section on page 52. Pick a copy of the October Issue today!