Tales of the Delta, Part 3

Latitude 38 readers are no doubt familiar with the Delta Ditch Run, a usually/mostly downwind race from Richmond to Stockton. But they may not realize that there is more racing happening on the San Joaquin River. Stockton Sailing Club hosts the finish of the DDR, but they also have an active racing schedule from March through December. And yet that large club is not the only one hosting races on the San Joaquin.

A much smaller sailing club, both in terms of geographic footprint and membership, Andreas Cove Yacht Club’s big regatta of the year is the Franks Tract Regatta. The event is a yacht club challenge, wherein three ‘cruising’ boats from each club compete to earn the coveted Tractor Trophy. The perpetual tends to go back and forth between ACYC and SSC; the only other clubs that have won it have been Folsom Lake YC and San Francisco YC. But anyone can race and be scored.

This year’s regatta was held under smoky skies on August 4-5. A little of everything was on tap for the eight boats participating: The first race on Saturday was held in light air; the second was breeze-on. The single race on Sunday had just about perfect conditions.

Aboard their floating clubhouse at Brannan’s Island Time Marina on Sevenmile Slough, ACYC hosted dinners on Friday and Saturday night and continental breakfasts in conjunction with brief skippers’ meetings on Saturday and Sunday mornings.

This year, the trophy went to SSC. For results, see Regatta Network.