J/120 MISTER MAGOO Dominates (San Francisco, CA- August 8-9)- This prestigious trophy has been raced for a very long time by veterans of the offshore arena at St Francis YC. In recent years it's evolved to one handicap class and two one-design classes- the J/105s and the J/120s. In late July, early August San Francisco Bay can most assuredly promise a great sailing day as the valleys inland get good and super hot and the cool sea air pumping through the Golden Gate Bridge from the frosty, treacherous offshore shoals known as the "Potato Patch" ensure that a solid 15-25 knot breeze develops each day. Was it Jack London that once said "the coldest winter I ever spent out West was a summer on San Francisco Bay"....he ain't kidding. Can be 85 F. degrees on shore but a frigid 50 F. degrees out on the waters in front of the infamous prison on Alcatraz Island.
Not to be intimidated, but instead reveling in these conditions were Philip Laby and Rich Pipkin, co-owners of RACER X; they won the nineteen boat strong J/105 class. Finishing second was JAM SESSION co-owned by Adam Spiegel and Guillemette Brouillat. Third on the podium was Scooter Simmons on BLACKHAWK.
The J/120s had a strong showing as well. However, bi-coastal racer (Maine/ California) Steve Madeira won the eight boat J/120 class with his team aboard MISTER MAGOO (pic above). Second was GRACE DANCES raced by Dick Swanson's team and third overall was Barry Lewis racing CHANCE. For more info.