Forty-three top teams from across the U.S. competed in the 2008 Club 420 Association Championship regatta July 18-20 at the Stanford Sailing center in Redwood City, CA. The 420 is a double-handed boat (two sailors) widely used in high school and collegiate racing. Ten races were completed over the three-day event in classic San Francisco bay conditions; 15-20 knots for most races, with a few sailed in 20-25, accompanied by huge chop and tidal surge. Races averaged just over an hour each. The first days’ races extended into the early evening with four long double-lap courses and challenges with getting clean starts in the challenging conditions. Nearly a third of the fleet retired before or during the 4th race due to equipment failure or fatigue. Day 2 and 3 included three races each with building wind and waves each day with a lower attrition rate.

Among the competitors were four Santa Barbara Youth Foundation junior sailors; Hanna Vincent (16) sailing with Carly Shevitz (16) crewing, and Tucker Atterbury (15) with Davey McBride (14) crewing. Vincent and Shevitz were one of 10 all girl teams. They completed all 10 races and placed 5th in the girls division and 20th overall. Atterbury and McBride finished 40th, completing 9 of 10 races in their first major 420 event.

Both teams returned home to quickly prepare for their next events. The CFJ Nationals will be held here in Santa Barbara, hosted by the Santa Barbara Yacht Club, Thursday-Sunday, July 24-27. Shevitz, Atterbury and McBride will be in the competition with the entire SB Youth Foundation local contingent competing against 20-30 teams from all over California. Spectators should be able to enjoy the races from the harbor sea wall or Stearn’s wharf.

Vincent will miss this local event, going back to San Francisco instead, along with Sky Adams, to compete in the Laser North America Championship out of the St. Francis Yacht Club in San Francisco Bay in the shadow of the Golden Gate Bridge. They expect some serious competitors in intense conditions… just like they like it!

Results
Photos

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