Long Beach to Cabo San Lucas Yacht Race 2007

by Rick Roberts on 10 Sep 2007 As the search for Steve Fossett, record-setting aviator, adventurer, sailor and elapsed time record holder of the 1995 Long Beach to Cabo San Lucas International Yacht Race enters the second week, preparations for this year’s race hosted by the Long Beach Yacht Club and set for Nov. 2-9, have taken on a sense of hope and concern.

Fossett set the first-to-finish record in 3 days, 2 hours and 59 minutes in Nov. 1995, the last time the race was run, in the 60 foot trimaran Lakota. He reminded LBYC race chairman David Stotler of this in a recent email.

'Great to see you are having the race again,' Fossett wrote. 'Many fond memories of sailing to Cabo. It will be interesting to see if the modern monohulls can improve on our time.'

With the Oct. 1 regular entry deadline nearing, the entry list of monohulls continues to grow as Kevin Flanigan’s Ocelot, Kernan\Wylie 44, CYC Portland; Ricardo Brockmann’s Ruahatu, Concordia 47, Acapulco YC; Steve Washburn’s Pacific High, Columbia 30M, ABYC Long Beach; and Andy Rasdal’s Valkyrie, DK 46, SDYC San Diego throw their hats into the ring of committed entrants.

Other boats include Doug Baker’s maxi-sled, Magnitude 80; Mike Campbell and Dale Williams’ Kernan 68, Peligroso; Peter Tong’s Santa Cruz 70 turbo-sled, OEX; Brack Duker’s Santa Cruz 70 Holua; Bob Lane’s Andrews 63 Medicine Man and Bill Durant and Rick Brizendine’s Santa Cruz 52, Relentless.

When Stotler asked Fossett if he was going to defend his record against this formidable list of monohulls, Fossett replied, 'I no longer have a sailboat and will be in Argentina attempting glider records in November.'

Those that know Fossett and have raced with him are comforted by their confidence in his exuberance for life and enduring passion for adventure.

When signing off on a recent email, Fossett wrote, 'Wish you the best for a great race, Steve.'

LBYC races to the southern tip of Baja California, Mexico date back to 1965 when then-Rear Commodore Bill Dalessi organized the first run to La Paz.

In 1977 the race destination was changed to Cabo San Lucas so competitors wouldn’t have to make the long northward leg back up to La Paz. A change this year is the finish at Cabo Falso located at the western end of Cabo San Lucas, which sits at the southernmost tip of Baja. This will eliminate the dreaded light winds in the final run to the finish line.

Participants will enjoy a sendoff party at LBYC the evening before the race, as well as a post-race party in Cabo San Lucas.

Notice of Race is available at www.lbyc.org .