79th annual Midwinter Regatta Entry & NOR online
by Rick Roberts on 2 Feb 2008
Tight competition and changing weather greeted last year’s Midwinter Regatta sailors Rick Roberts
The Southern California Yachting Association’s 79th annual Midwinter Regatta blows into Southern California Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 16-17, as 34 yacht clubs (including two in Arizona) play host to more than 600 boats and thousands of sailors in what SCYA calls “the most unique regatta held anywhere in the world.”
Long Beach Yacht Club expects about 40 entries alone divided among a PHRF big-boat class, two PHRF classes, Catalina 37s, Express 37s, Farr 40s, Santana 30/30s, J/29s and Schock 35s.
Weather conditions are usually changeable in February and this year should be no exception. There is no telling come race day what Mother Nature will dish out, as sailors in last year’s Midwinter’s found out.
Last year at the start of the first race on Saturday the usual 5 – 8 knot southeasterly breeze that blows across San Pedro bay was replaced by a strong 8 – 11 knot northeasterly Santa Ana condition.
Sunday dawned with strong winds coming from the traditional southwest at 8 to 11 knots. But by the end of the final race the wind was blowing close to 18 knots.
The Midwinters are traditionally the big kick off race of the year allowing racers to tune up their boats, try out new sails and test their mettle against old foes and new up-and-comers.
Notice of Race and entry forms are available online at the 2008 Midwinter Regatta website; http://midwinters.scyaweb.org/2008mwr/ .
Sailing Instructions for classes hosted by LBYC are available at: www.lbyc.org
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