Linda Elias Memorial Women's One-Design Challenge next weekend

by Kelly Walsh on 11 Oct 2014 The Linda Elias Memorial Women’s One-Design Regatta is just over the horizon and the Long Beach Women’s Sailing Association is working on the final details of their signature event. Hosted by Long Beach Yacht Club, the annual fleet racing contest is sailed by 10-woman crews on the heavy duty Catalina 37s used in the Congressional Cup match racing classic.

The boats in this event are called 'One-Design' because they all have the same design, length, equipment and sail area. There are no handicaps and all boats compete in every race. It is a pure form of racing where the skill of the team makes the difference. Teams this year represent the West Coast from Washington State to San Diego. Some of the finest names in women’s sailing have raced in this regatta, and to see the future of women’s sailing is to look to this regatta today.

This event, now in its 23rd year, was originally called the Women's One-Design Challenge. It was renamed in honor of Linda Elias, one of the original participants and one of Southern California's most successful female sailboat racers. Linda passed away in 2004, at the age of 52, after a nine year battle with ovarian cancer. Her friends and fellow sailors – both men and women – still speak of her skills and the presence she brought to a sailing team. The regatta’s name is a tribute to a woman who left us too soon. A winner of the Peggy Slater 'Yachtswoman of the Year' award, Linda raced the Transpac in 1989, 1991, 1993, and 1999. Her team won the Women's One-Design Challenge in 1992, 1994 and 1996, the last two while battling cancer. Said a friend of Linda, 'Any of us who were lucky enough to sail with Linda were awed by her skills, patience for teaching others, and calm leadership [that means she never yelled!]. But those of us who were privileged to be her friend and hear her sweet laugh, were even luckier.' The LB/WSA has a fundraising raffle and silent auction for a donation to the Long Beach Sailing Foundation Scholarship in Linda’s name.

Teams returning to competition this year are Newport Harbor Yacht Club, California Yacht Club, Women’s Sailing Association of Santa Monica Bay, and Long Beach/Los Angeles Women’s Sailing Association. New teams this year include the Channel Islands Sea Gals, the Gybe Ho’s, The La Playa Experiment and a team from Long Beach Yacht Club. But, the grueling seven race schedule does provide some time for relaxation and fun. Females of all ages participate in this regatta, from teenagers who are capable sailors in their own right to seasoned veterans who have sailed the world. On paper it is a weekend of challenges, losses and triumphs, but in real life it’s also a place to test oneself, learn from the results and share a love of the sea with friends.

The regatta begins on October 17th with a start line practice session and open racing for a tune up. Racing begins on Saturday 1155 for four races. The races are followed with a little relaxation, dinner and dancing. Sunday racing begins at 1155 for three races, followed by the award ceremony. The preferred course area is near the Belmont Pier where spectators can watch, but winds that day will determine exactly where the racing will be. This is the second year the Linda Elias Memorial Women’s One Design regatta will feature on the water umpiring.
Event website