Berger-Stein Series - Land of no wind lives up to its reputation
by Andy Kopetzky on 6 Jan 2015
The 'Magic Cat' En route to Marina Del Rey and line honors Tami Rae
The first race of the Berger-Stein Series and Del Rey Yacht Club's first race of the 2015 season got underway January 3rd in very light air in Santa Monica Bay.
Cool temps of 50's and 60's, mirror-flat seas and sunny skies prevailed for the 90 entries, causing most competitors to gripe and grouse about the land of no wind living up to its reputation.
No residual effects were present following record New Year's Eve winds and surf.
At the start of the Maxi (PHRF AA) fleet the wind barely touched a knot and a half according to Pyewacket skipper Robbie Haines. Haines later was to record winds of six knots at Malibu en route to claiming first-to finish/line honors.
Maverick, Chris Slagerman's SC 70 barely edged past the start line and made up time by staying away from the shore.
After a fifteen-minute delay the other six classes were started and the boats that were able to go outside managed to go rhumb line and their one tack was at Malibu buoy.
Most enjoyed a nice reach back to Marina Del Rey on the 22 NM course. The race was over with 85 boats in by 1800.
Holua, Brack Duker's SC 70 saved her time over Pyewacket and took first in class. Coquille, Gary Ezor's Farr 40 won PHRF A by 11 minutes over the next competitor.
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