The International Masters Regatta renamed to honor late founder, Don Trask
by Karina Sandhu, SDYC 15 Oct 2025 22:57 PDT
October 17-19, 2025
The International Masters Regatta © San Diego Yacht Club
The 2025 International Masters Regatta, which as of October 14, 2025 has been officially renamed the Don Trask International Masters Regatta, is set to return to San Diego Yacht Club October 17-19. Don Trask, who passed away on September 29, 2025, founded the International Masters Regatta at St. Francis Yacht Club in 1979 as a tribute to Master-level skippers who had made a name for themselves in the sport. In its early days, the regatta was held in J/24s and then eventually changed to J/105s.The regatta moved from StFYC to San Diego Yacht Club in 2012 thanks largely to the efforts of Malin Burnham and with Don's blessings. Don always loved sailing in San Diego and continued to be an ardent supporter of and competitor in the regatta once it moved south, competing in the event 6 more times. Don's longtime crew and friend Bill Kreysler echoed this sentiment stating "Don loved to sail and loved to win, but most important to him were the friendships. Don reminded us that sailing is about sharing a sport we love with the friends we've made along the way."
In its 42nd year, the Don Trask International Masters Regatta is bringing 12 talented skippers from Canada, Germany, and the United States to compete for the coveted title. Over three days of racing, teams will compete using SDYC member-loaned J/105s in a round-robin format in San Diego Bay. This year's roster includes some well-known names from both near and far. With invitations for the regatta only going out to a handful of select sailors, the event tends to feature the best of the best in the master-level age range. Event chair Dave Vieregg describes the selection process for the Don Trask International Masters Regatta stating, "Past champions from different classes, unique regions, or countries are invited to race here in San Diego. Entry is by invitation to skippers who are 60+, sailing with crew who are 45+. The ages make the event unique but their significant accomplishments in racing as well as the shared camaraderie make this event extra special."
In 2025, the Masters Regatta has several returning skippers including defending champion Scott Harris from Coronado Yacht Club who said "I enjoy sailing with old friends, like Chuck Sinks, and hanging out with all the characters." As a well-known sailor who has competed in a multitude of regattas, Harris has crossed paths with many on the Masters roster. When discussing who on the entry list he's sailed against the most, Harris said, "I grew up sailing against Chris Raab in Lasers and college sailing, so that will be fun. Everyone loves to rib Raab. We sailed against Wolfgang Schaeffer's Struntje in the Crocodile Rock Farr 40 days over 20 years ago. There are a lot of good sailors this year. John Dane is the boat to beat."
John Dane from Pass Christian Yacht Club in Mississippi is a seasoned sailor with many regatta wins under his belt, including the 2024 Etchells North American Championship. This will be Dane's first time competing in the Don Trask International Masters Regatta and sailing a J/105 in a competitive environment. Dane does, however, have a solid strategy by having his winning crew from the 2024 Etchells NAs, Bill Hartesty and Eric Doyle, racing alongside him.
Dane states, "I have zero experience in a J/105, however, I have raced big boats quite often in my career. My first thought was to ask both Bill Hardesty and Eric Doyle to sail with me since we have been sailing together for over a year in the Etchells. Then I asked them to fill out the roster since they both were familiar with the boats and the sailing venue." Dane, Doyle, and Hardesty will add Al Pleskus, Regina Gleason, and Andy La Dow to round out their crew.
Dane went on to say, "Of the 11 other teams competing, I have raced against five other helmsmen in either an Etchells, Finn or Viper. It will certainly be a competitive group to race against and I am happy to be able to sail this year after not being able to make the regatta the last few times I was invited."
Cory Sertl, Vice President of World Sailing, returns as the sole female skipper taking the helm. The former Olympian, two-time US Sailing Yachtswoman of the Year, and incredibly accomplished sailor is quite familiar with sailing in the Don Trask International Masters Regatta, placing 3rd in 2023. When asked about her return to the event, Sertl kept it short and sweet stating, "We are looking forward to coming back. We raced in 2023 and had a great time. It is a fun format and San Diego YC goes all out to welcome all the teams!"
In addition to making it on the Masters Regatta podium in 2023, Sertl's recent sailing endeavors include placing 1st for New York Yacht Club at the Grandmasters Team Racing in 2023 along with winning the IC37 North American Championships in 2021. Sertl represents New York Yacht Club, Conanicut Yacht Club and Rochester Yacht Club, and has SDYC members Chris Snow and John Rudderham on her Masters team.
While the prestigious Don Trask International Masters Regatta brings in skippers and crews from all over to race, the extra incentive may be the 14th annual Taste of Point Loma which will be held at San Diego Yacht Club on Thursday, October 16 from 5:00pm-8:00pm. Racing will begin Friday, October 17 and conclude Sunday, October 19. For the complete schedule, including competitor information and social activities, please visit www.masters.sdyc.org.
Thank you to our dedicated sponsors, who make events like this one possible: Helly Hansen, Bay Club Hotel and Marina, Chipz Happen, Bella Luna Wines, North Sails and Quantum Sails.