Club News


Starting Makes a Difference in Day Two of the International Masters Regatta

By Casey Allocco, SDYC Communications Coordinator, photo by Tom Walker | October 20, 2018
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There’s an old adage in sailing: If you’re not over early every once in a while, you’re not pushing hard enough. Day Two of the International Masters Regatta was full of action, particularly at the start line. A handful of boats jumped the gun and were penalized with OCSs. At this point in the regatta, the Masters are looking to put points on their competitors by getting a good start and an early lead. But, this strategy took a toll on second place sailor, Tad Lacey.

Conditions for Day Two were variable compared to Day One. The races started on a course axis of about 250 degrees. The wind steadily backed 50 degrees to the left throughout the day with numerous mark changes. The Race Committee adjusted the weather mark three times before the start of Series Race Eight. By the end of the day, the breeze faded from a peak of 9 knots to an average of about 6 knots for the final race.

Dave Perry and his crew sailed competitive races today coming in first during Series Race Six and second in Series Race Eight. Perry continues to hold his first place standing at the end of Day Two with 26 points. Tad Lacey is in second with 38 points and Andy Roy is in third place with 44 points.

Watching from the sidelines was San Diego Race Director Jeff Johnson. “It’s really important at this point in a three day regatta to make moves on your competitors. With Perry and Lacey tied for first at the finish of yesterday, Lacey needed to gain points on Perry. The best way for him to have done that would be to get a good start and dominate the first leg. Unfortunately for Lacey, he pulled the trigger too early 50% of the time today. It’s really hard to come back from that.”

Another standout in the results was a three way tie for third between Andy Roy, Bill Menninger and Jon Andron, all finishing the day with 44 points. Roy won the tie breaker by taking second place in Series Race Seven.

Bill Menninger, winner of the 2016 International Masters Regatta, explains how he is going to get pull ahead of the tie tomorrow. “The competition is getting stiffer every year… We’re going for all firsts tomorrow and with that we might have a chance to win. Our only strategy is to sail fast!”

After the races, the sailors stormed the docks in anticipation of the International Masters Regatta Banquet at the San Diego Yacht Club. Race Chair Alli Bell talks about the traditions of the Banquet. “Every year at the Banquet we hold a roast between all of the Masters. All of these competitors have known each other for so long. It’s fun for them to come and reminisce about old times in a way that sometimes is a little teasing. Plus, you learn a lot about them that you didn’t know before!”

Tomorrow, the Masters will compete in the final day of racing followed by an Awards Ceremony to conclude the weekend.