Light air spawns unique tactics in Cabo race start

by Rick Roberts on 9 Nov 2008
A record-breaking run may be a bit of a challenge for competitors in the 804-nautical mile 2008 Long Beach to Cabo San Lucas International Yacht Race, hosted by Long Beach Yacht Club, as eight boats ranging in size from 44-80 feet took off Saturday in a very light breeze of 3-4 knots.

Starting off the Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier, interesting tactics played out after the boats crossed the start line. Three of the boats tacked over to port and went right while the other five stayed on starboard electing to go through the lee of Island Chaffee --- not normally a wise move in a sailboat race in Long Beach Harbor.

Catching up with the fleet on the other side of the island revealed the boats that went behind the island actually gained on the boats that tacked off for more breeze.

Leading the pack of boats that stayed on starboard tack was Doug Baker’s Andrews 80, Magnitude 80, followed by Peter Tong’s Santa Cruz 70, OEX; Bob Lane’s Andrews 63, Medicine Man; Chris Slagerman’s Peterson 68, Cheetah and Kevin Flanigan’s Fox 44, Ocelot.

Those that took a bit of a hit for doing what seemed the common sense thing to do were Brack Duker’s Santa Cruz 70, Holua; Per Peterson’s Andrews 70, Alchemy and Ed McDowell’s Santa Cruz 70, Grand Illusion.

Weather models indicated that the breeze was building farther south, as Grand Illusion’s watch captain Patrick O’Brien confirmed Saturday morning.

'It looks like it could be building to 15 knots [of wind] later today,' O’Brien said. 'Mag 80 really has the only chance of breaking the record… we’ll just have to see how it goes.'

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.

Information is available at www.lbyc.org