(Long Beach, CA)- The 2019 edition of Ullman Sails Long Beach Race Week wrapped up with a bang, as winds tickled the 20s and racers were tested in the final day of the regatta hosted by Long Beach Yacht Club and Alamitos Bay Yacht Club.
More than 100 teams participated in the June 21 to 23 event, which drew sailors from the western US and neighboring nations, plus Australia and Germany.
Wind conditions steadily built over the three day regatta, as did the excitement, as racers competed in a series of seven windward/leeward or three random leg races, in both one-design and PHRF fleets. In many cases, it was a classic scenario of 'the rich getting richer' as precision starts and crew work paid off.
It was a three-day skirmish for position in the hard-fought J/70 class. Bruce Golison's MIDLIFE CRISIS was the winner of the “Satariano Boat of the Week Trophy”, presented to the one-design class winner whose division features the closest, most competitive racing in the series. In seven races over the three-day event, Golison edged out rival Jeff Janov’s MINOR THREAT in a tie-breaker! Rounding out the podium was Chris Kostanecki’s JENNIFER (he also won the Corinthians Division). The balance of the top five included Steve Wyman’s NUNUHUNU in 4th and Peter Cameron’s KANGAROO JOCKEY in 5th position.
In the handicap PHRF C division, J/Crews swept the podium. First was Heinz Butner’s J/109 RAPTOR, second was Scott McDaniel’s J/105 OFF THE PORCH, and third was taken by Jeff Shew’s J/109 FUZZY LOGIC. In PHRF B division, David Boatner’s J/35 RIVAL took the silver. Then, in PHRF A class, Kenny Kieding’s J/111 ARGO 3 won the class with all aces and deuces!
Rivalries and competition aside, "fun" is a key ingredient in the 40-year success of Ullman Sails Long Beach Race Week.
"This event is like a family reunion in a small town," pointed out LBYC Commodore Camille Daniels. "All your friends get together once a year to race and celebrate the Summer Solstice. Just think. We have the longest day of the year to have the best party!"
Daniels said cooperation between LBYC and ABYC is also a key part of the recipe. "We have members from each club on the committees, working together. Each of our clubs has enough resources to do a regatta maybe half the size - but together, it's magic. We have three professionally run race circles and have had up to 160 boats compete at Race Week. That's a big deal!"
During LBRW, sailors from near and far contend in up to three days of racing on three different race courses: one inside the Federal breakwater and two outside. Each course is astutely managed and run by race officials from ABYC, LBYC and other area clubs, winning the organizers kudos from participants.
ABYC Commodore David Schack added, "We've worked together on this regatta for years, so can tap into the talents from both clubs, which helps us do a really good job at both the racing and the parties. Because you can't have one without the other!" Sailing photo credits- Tom Walker For more Ullman Sails Long Beach Race Week sailing information Add to Flipboard Magazine.
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