The ISAF event was an outstanding success for Open Sailing. With 9 Open 5.70s racing, 1 Open 6.50 racing, the clear coat Open 6.50 on display at the dock, and the Open Sailing Rib acting as Press boat -  our presence was known to all.

The Open 5.70 was the 2nd largest one-design fleet at the event with 9 boats on the start line. Many of the boats were from Marina del Rey with a couple of boats driving all the way down from San Francisco for the regatta. Although the Open 5.70 were being scored separately as a one-design class (one-design results) there were a few other classes starting at the same time making for 30+ boats on the starting line. The Sport B class also included the Thompson 650, the Open 6.50, the Melges 24, the Viper 640, the Ultimate 20 and a few other 20ish footers. The highest ranked Open 5.70 ended up 15th overall in the Sport B class (full results).

The Open 6.50 “Chupacabra”, sailed by a team from North Sails, showed off the potential of the unique 100% carbon fiber piece of art. With it’s new red mast, kevlar sails, and brand new white North Sails spinnaker the boat looked incredibly sharp at the front of the pack. After sitting in first place on Saturday night it was clear that the boat has a lot of potential. On Sunday the team suffered one bad race almost doubling their total points resulting in a 2nd place overall (full results) – still a great achievement for the teams first regatta on the boat.

Open 5.70 Results | Sport B Results | Photos (Sat) | Photos (Sun)

Summer is in full swing and there are plenty of opportunities on the horizon to go sailing and enjoy your Open 5.70. As you all know the fleet in Marina del Rey has been growing all year and there are some great one-design events coming up that we should all make the most of.

Saturday & Sunday August 29th & 30th
Harris Regatta hosted by California Yacht Club
Two days of well run one-design races here in Marina del Rey. This event is on the Open 5.70 Southern California racing calendar and it would be great to see everyone there. CYC is one of the premier clubs in the area and as one of the fastest growing fleets it is important for have a good presence at events like this.

Saturday September 5th
Outlaw Regatta hosted by Santa Monica Windjammers Yacht Club and Seal Beach Yacht Club
This race has become a bit of class tradition and is a refreshing downwind point to point race rather than around the buoys. In the past we’ve set the spinnaker on the start line and carried it south for almost 30 miles. The course takes you through Hurricane Gulch where the good breeze guarantees a fun downwind ride to the finish.

Saturday & Sunday September 19th & 20th
Women at the Helm hosted by ASMBYC
This event would be a great opportunity for us to have the 1st ever one-design class competing in the “Women at the Helm” category. Of course the “owner/driver” rule will not be applicable for this event to ensure that everyone can participate in this event.

Saturday & Sunday September 26th & 27th
Sportboat World Championship of the World hosted by Coronado Yacht Club / Sailing Anarchy Yacht Club
“Okay, so here’s the deal – we are going to have the best west coast sportboat regatta – ever! To be held in the south bay of San Diego – good breeze, flat water, and no kelp. We’re going to gather as many sportboats as possible, put them together in at least two handicap classes, run seven races, and have a full slate of food, drink and entertainment as well. Dave Ullman will be speaking, alt rockers Moxy Bullets will be jamming, comedian Russ T. Nailz will be funny, all Saturday Night. And of course there will be giveaways, good prizes, great racing, good times.”

Hope to see you all out on the water soon!