One More Time Regatta is swept by Dennis Conner

by Andy Kopetzky on 25 Jun 2013 The 38th annual One More Time regatta is beign sailed in Santa Monica Bay, California where Dennis Conner leads.

In his first appearance in the annual wooden hull event, San Diego based Dennis Conner took home all the marbles with his 47 foot Sloop Splendor.

Conner was the last starter in the pursuit event that featured 13 classic wooden boats. He credited his fine showing to excellent crew work, perfect sailing conditions and ‘beginners’ luck’.

Saturday June 22nd was a sunny day on Santa Monica Bay with winds SW about 10 knots and seas 3-5 ft close in. It was a ‘chamber of commerce’ day in Southern California.

The conditions favored racing designs such as sloops and yawls and the cruising designed ketches could have used a bit more breeze.

Sally, the 1928 ten meter boat owned by C. F. Kohler came in second, and previous One More Time Regatta winner Bequia was third in class and finished fourth overall. The latter used to be singer Bob Dylan’s 41 foot custom cutter and has been restored and raced by brothers Angel and Steven Lopez for a over a decade.

Pacifica, Doug Jones’ 57 ft Sparkman and Stephens yawl came in third overall and took home first place silver in ketches and yawls.

Dick McNish, Pacific Corinthian Yacht Club Staff Commodore and creator of his namesake regatta took his 46 foot Fellows and Stewart Yawl Cheerio II to a second place finish in class. It was his first appearance in the race.

The only schooner in the event Witchcraft, was sailed by Brian Eichenlaub; he finished last and received the coveted Turtle Trophy but won his class.

The event was organized by Wooden Hull Commodores Steve Guilford, Staff Commodore Chris Frost and Del Rey Yacht Club race member Andy Kopetzky, who was PRO.

It is the second race of the wooden hulled Southern California Classic Series.

Hosting club Del Rey Yacht Club held the post race trophy presentation and BBQ and Dennis Conner was presented with a first overall prize bottle of Whalers Rum, which he gave to Kopetzky as a 16th wedding anniversary present.