But Wait, There’s More

In Monday’s ‘Lectronic Latitude, we ran a preview of some upcoming races. Our list was not meant to be all-inclusive, but after that post we did hear from readers about a couple of events that missed getting into our Calendar entirely.

"I enjoyed your info today on racing," wrote Roger William Briggs. "A few weeks ago, Tim included info from me on our racing here in San Luis Obispo County and asked me to send more. We have two San Luis Yacht Club race days coming up (in Port San Luis/Avila Beach waters), August 5, and 19, as part of our season-long series. We usually get in about three races per day. August 11 is the biggest race of the year on the Central Coast, our annual Zongo Race jointly hosted by the Morro Bay YC (race start) and SLYC (race finish in Avila). We pass Point Buchon, Diablo Canyon Power Plant and the Point San Luis Lighthouse — about 21 miles. All races are PHRF. I’m on my friend Tony’s Farr 40, High 5. This is our fifth year in the Zongo Cup."

For video of last year’s Zongo Cup, see https://youtu.be/A3NWKea3FS8. "I’m the guy on the tiller (yellow PFD) the first 3/4 of the race," says Roger. 

"As always, I love reading ‘Lectronic Latitude," writes Alan Prussia. "But you missed one great event in August: the Ronstan Bridge to Bridge on August 9." The course, as implied by the name, runs from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Bay Bridge.

"This year is the 20th running of the event. This race has morphed quite a bit from the inaugural event. In 1998 it was the new Olympic-class 49er skiff vs. sailboards. Jonathan and Charlie McKee won the first year with a time of 27:18. Sometime around 2000 or 2001 kiteboarders showed up for the event. In 2002 Chip Wasson won the event with a kite with a time of 18:04, the first time that the 20-minute mark was broken. In 2003 professional sailboarder Micah Buzianis set the course record of 16:23, which lasted for many years. Fast-forward to 2016 and the winning time was 10:31, set by hydrofoiling kiteboarder Rikki Leccese from Italy. Hydrofoiling kiteboards now dominate the event results."

"Come out and watch the fastest craft tear up the racecourse on August 9 at 5 p.m. outside the Golden Gate. This year the 5O5 Class will participate as part of their North American Championship. For more information visit www.stfyc.com."

We’ll take this opportunity to remind event organizers and publicists that our Calendar deadline is always the 10th of the month prior to publication, and items of interest can be sent via email. In addition, we’ll soon begin soliciting material for the 2019 Northern California Sailing Calendar and YRA Master Schedule.