Cabo race boats are ready to go

by Rick Roberts on 7 Nov 2008
Eight of the fastest monohulls on the West coast start Saturday, Nov. 8 from just off the Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier on their 800-nautical mile run in the 2008 Long Beach to Cabo San Lucas International Yacht Race hosted by Long Beach Yacht Club.

Coming to the line for the 12 noon start will be Doug Baker’s Andrews 80, Magnitude 80; Per Peterson’s Andrews 70, Alchemy; Bob Lane’s Andrews 63, Medicine Man; Peter Tong’s Santa Cruz 70, OEX; Ed McDowell’s Santa Cruz 70, Grand Illusion; Brack Duker’s Santa Cruz 70, Holua; Kevin Flanigan’s Fox 44, Ocelot, and Chris Slagerman’s Peterson 68, Cheetah.

Baker’s Magnitude 80 is the best bet to be the first boat to finish, being the fastest rated maxi in the fleet. As quick as they are he missed breaking the race record last year by only 57 minutes.

Baker said his goal is to finish in less than '3 days 3 hours 46 minutes 24 seconds' --- the record set by the Santa Cruz 70 Blondie in 1985. 'But who’s keeping track? We want to see what the weather will do and get there fast.'

But what if you’re not one of the fastest boats in the fleet?

Flanigan’s Ocelot, Portland, Ore., a very quick boat in its own right, has the slowest rating in the race and its own perspective and plan.

Skipper Greg Nelson explains, 'We’re looking forward to warm weather sailing and nipping on the heels of the bigger boats. We have a heavy displacement and a lot of waterline, but in wind over 15 knots we do pretty well. We just want to make a strong showing and enjoy the nice warm air.'

Missing from this year’s race is the 2007 winner on corrected handicap time, Peligroso, whose co-owner Mike Campbell recently passed away after a long battle with cancer.

Peligroso will make a ceremonial start five minutes before the official start time, in tribute and appreciation to Campbell and his contributions to the sport.

Competitors finish at Cabo Falso located at the west end of Cabo San Lucas and, weather conditions permitting, should start arriving Tuesday afternoon/evening.

Trophy presentations will be hosted by LBYC for all competitors Thursday evening, Nov.13 in Cabo San Lucas.

In Baker’s words, 'We’re ready to go!'

Notice of Race, Sailing Instructions and additional information is available at www.lbyc.org .