at the California YC March 10-11. Noteworthy performances in the green (beginner fleet) came from 9-year-olds David Shea, who met his goal (in the final race) of finishing third at least once, and Romain Screve, who was sailing in his first regatta. Before racing began, he told coach Richard Feeny, “I think I will try to win. Is that okay?” After overcoming some first-race jitters, he did win, as did his older brother, Antoine, who's one of the top Opti sailors in the nation and won in the red (most experienced) fleet. In the white fleet, Will Cefali took the top prize, while among the blue fleet Jack Barton finished second and Esteban Forrer finished third. Full results at www.sfbayopti.org. Big boats, big race: The 27th St. Maarten Heineken Regatta, an event as popular for the parties as it is for the racing, got even better this year when organizers added a day of racing for the top boats. Up for grabs was the inaugural Budget Marine Commodore's Cup. Volvo Ocean Race winner ABN Amro One took the prize, winning each of three races. In the main event, Jim Swartz's Swan 601

LATIITUDE / SUTTER

SHEET

'Painkiller' gets proactive and throws in a reef inside the Bay during the Doublehanded Lightship Race on March 24, while, 'Dragonsong' hopes for the best outside the Gate.

Moneypenny, with a cast of dozens from Northern California, finished second to ABN Amro One in the Big Boat 1 fleet, and San Franciscan Rick Wesslund's J/120 El Ocaso, also with a big NorCal

contingent, posted four bullets and a second to win the Spinnaker 5 division. On the line: The crewed and doublehanded Lightship Races were just starting as we put the final touches on this issue, and the San Francisco Cup was about to start just hours later. Check www.yra.org, www.iyc.org, and www. stfyc.org, respectively, for results. Parting words: Beer can racing is back again this month, and not a moment too soon. If you have a boat, use it! If your friends have a boat, make sure they use it — taking you with them! If you answered 'none of the above', you still have two tricks up your sleeve. Scope out the racing calendar and head to the nearest marina or yacht club with a race scheduled for that evening. Boats are often eager to pick up fresh faces wandering the docks. (A six-pack of your favorite beverage to share with your new friends after racing helps.) Lastly, there's Latitude's crew list party at Golden Gate YC April 4 from 6-9 p.m. If your name appears on the crew lists in the March or April issue, entry is free. Otherwise, you can join us for just $7.

4TH ANNUAL

Sailing Auction & Gala Bruno's Island offers a security gated park-like setting with a relaxing ambience, friendly and helpful staff, and shaded parking. We currently have deep draft berths with easy access to the San Joaquin River that are perfect for the owners or dealers of 28 to 50-ft boats.

(916) 777-6084 Check us out at:

www.BrunosIsland.com

Friday, May 4, 2006 Hall of Fame Room in Memorial Stadium University of California, Berkeley • Help raise funds for Cal Sailing Team • Meet the team • Bid on items like a weeklong timeshare in Mazatlan, Cal gear and other sailing gear, baseball tickets and concert tickets • Enjoy great food

Boat yard on site offering complete marine service

Proceeds go to funding team travel, rental of practice facilities, and boat repair.

On the scenic Delta Loop 1200 W. Brannan Island Rd., Isleton, CA

For more information or to RSVP, contact Joss Giddings at

Jossgid@berkeley.edu April, 2007 •

Latitude 38

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