Porter-Brun take three races in Melges 24 opener - 2010 Yachting Cup

by Lynn Fitzpatrick on 1 May 2010 The first three races of the inaugural Melges California Cup were sailed today in a brisk westerly in San Diego’s South Bay. Brian Porter, Vince Brun, Brian’s son and nephew, Bri and Clifford, won all three races on the protected and flat waters of the South Bay today. The California Cup is part of San Diego Yacht Club's 2010 Yachting Cup.

The Porter/Brun team was down toward the pin and played the left side during the first beat of each race and knew just when to tack toward the weather. In each race, Brun was one of the first to shout “Hoist”. Arms would flail and elbows would fly and their red spinnaker would fill flawlessly on during the bear-away set.

John Downing and his TEAM 686 from Encinitas, CA and Kent Pierce and his Average White Boat team from Santa Barbara, CA tried to match them with boat speed and high speed jibes, but by the time they reached the bottom mark, Bailout, the Porter/Brun boat, was intent on extending its lead for the remainder of the race.

The last time Porter and Brun sailed together was at the 2003 Melges Worlds in San Francisco. Said Porter who has sailed on the South Bay before, “I like sailing on the South Bay. It was great to have the venue all to ourselves. We had flat water and stayed dry. I enjoy sailing on every venue in San Diego and am looking forward to sailing outside too. Vince knows these waters.”

After giving everyone a lesson on the water, the regatta’s early leaders were guest speakers at a North Sails sponsored clinic on Melges 24 boat handling and sail trim.

The twelve Melges 24’s are scheduled to leave the South Bay to make room for the Schock 35’s, J/80’s and PHRF Division 4 boats during San Diego Yacht Club’s prestigious Yachting Cup. The Melges 24’s will head offshore for two more days of racing. J105’s J/120’s and the PHRF Division 3 will share the venue with Melges 24’s throughout the weekend.

TP52’s and other grand prix teams took advantage of the 10-12 knot winds, sunny skies and seas that are settling down to head offshore and practice for Yachting Cup, which takes place on Saturday and Sunday. The IRC1, PHRF Divisions 1 & 2, Farr 40’s and Flying Tigers will be sailing offshore on the West Ocean course for the weekend.

Yachting Cup – Come for the competition and stay for the party. www.SDYC.org/yachtingcup/

Melges 24 Preliminary Scores following 3 races of California Cup

1. 553 – Bailout - Porter/Brun – 1, 1, 1 – 3

2. 686 – Team 686 - John Downing – 3, 2, 3 – 8

3. 52 – Scotch Bonnet - Tony Beal – 5,3,4 – 12

4. 303 – Average White Boat - Kent Pierce – 2, 4, 7 – 13

5. 657- Personal Puff - Dan Hauserman - 6, 8, 2 - 16