Ullman Sails Long Beach Race Week: Fair winds & friendship
by Betsy Crowfoot 20 Jun 2018 02:35 AEST
22-24 June 2018
Ullman Sails Long Beach Race Week 2017 © Erin Rustigan Photo
Sunny, southerly conditions are forecast for Ullman Sails Long Beach Race Week, which takes place June 22 to 24, 2018.
This popular annual regatta, hosted by Alamitos Bay Yacht Club (ABYC) and Long Beach Yacht Club (LBYC), features three days of fair winds and friendship.
Chuck Clay, long-time co-chair and ABYC staff commodore, said, "I really enjoy the social side of the event and the camaraderie between the sailors. They travel from up and down the coast to compete, and are fierce on the race course! But when they get ashore, it's all about having a good time and telling 'war stories' with old friends. Mix that in with a little rum from one of our sponsors (Mount Gay Rum) and you have a perfect recipe for great times, great stories and a few shenanigans!"
Over 130 boats are signed up to compete, but there's still time to join the fun: close of entries isn't until 1800PST Tuesday June 19. It's also time to order sandwiches from Gelson's, and purchase great-looking event gear from Coral Reef Sailing Apparel. Visit www.lbrw.org for details on all.
In addition to one-design racing – J/70s, J/120s, Viper 640s, Farr 40s, TP52, Pac 52s, Schock 35s and Catalina 37s – a robust PHRF fleet is signed up to compete in a series of windward-leeward races, on one of four courses. Competing on the Random Leg course, inside and outside the Federal breakwater, is a fleet of boats ranging from Melges 32s to Santa Cruz 50s and 52s. In addition to Division and Championship trophies, organizers have awards for the furthest traveled team; PHRF and Satariano Boat of the Week honors, and the Yacht Club Challenge, plus the Kent Golison Family Trophy.
"The efforts of about 150 volunteers, combined from ABYC and LBYC, pull this event together each year. Race management is impeccable and the on-shore activities are awesome," promises Clay, citing the tossing of the Mount Gay Rum hats at the ABYC Friday night dinner as "a real crowd pleaser."
"We have stepped up the food a bit and have a live band again this year," added Clay.
"The bottom line is excellent racing in one of the best places to sail on the West Coast, followed by great parties at both clubs!"
Fair breeze from the south is forecast for the start, building throughout the weekend to a pleasant 14-15knots Sunday.
Ullman Sails Long Beach Race Week kicks off Friday June 22 with a 10:30am competitors' briefing at LBYC. Races start Friday at 12:55PM; Saturday and Sunday races commence at 1155.
Entry fees include Friday's After-Race Party at ABYC, with music, complimentary hors d'oeuvres and no host bar; Saturday's Post-Race Mount Gay Rum Party at LBYC, with music, dancing, complimentary hors d'oeuvres and no host bar; and Sunday's Prize-giving, also at LBYC, with hors d'oeuvres and no host bar.
Join the hundreds of sailors who make Ullman Sails Long Beach Race Week an annual tradition of stiff competition and cosy camaraderie! Visit www.lbrw.org for full details, and enter before it's too late!