66th Turkey Day Regatta at Alamitos Bay YC

by Rich Roberts on 14 Nov 2013 When Alamitos Bay Yacht Club learned that its usual docks, launching ramps and boat hoists would not be available Saturday and Sunday, November 23-24, it meant cancelling the 66th annual Turkey Day Regatta, right?

Wrong.

The last and most popular of ABYC's four annual holiday regattas is right on schedule, regardless of the current demolition, dredging and reconstruction in the yacht basin adjacent to the club continuing through the end of the year.

Last year there were about 300 sailors---kids to codgers---from San Diego to Seattle racing some 200 boats in 18 classes, and ABYC's usual mass turnout of volunteers is prepared for that many and more.

ABYC Commodore Jennifer Kuritz said, 'Turkey Day Regatta has been running for over 65 years at ABYC and it is a tradition that cannot be denied just because of a little 'inconvenience.' Be assured that the flag officers and the directors are working very hard to make this year another successful
Turkey Day Regatta, regardless of the challenges.'

There won't be any trophies, but that's standard for Turkey Day. Instead, winners receive pies and birds ready to roast---plus, the entry fee includes a Thanksgiving theme feast Saturday night.

The larger boats, including Vipers, Finns, Lasers and A-Class and Formula 18 catamarans, will race on the outer Long Beach Harbor inside the breakwater; Lido 14s and Naples Sabots will compete inside on the bay.

The weekend also will include the third event of the Southern California Youth Yacht Racing Association (SCYYRA) 2013-2014 Ullman/Frost Series for Lasers and Laser Radials. Separate registration and entry fee

Dinghies and catamarans will launch from the bay beach on the west side of the club off 69th Street, while larger boats may use the public hoist across the bay on Appian Way between Long Beach YC and the Sea Scout Base or the Davis launch ramp across the channel on Marina Drive.

Details, restrictions and other information, including Notice of Race, online entry and launching details are available here.