Both days of the 2009 American Sailing League’s Championship Series at San Francisco’s Pier 39 this weekend provided lots of exciting 18-ft skiff racing for the hundreds of spectators watching throughout the afternoon.

Pier 39 offered an incredible vantage point for spectators and sailors alike to see up close how these skiffs perform under a variety of conditions. Those looking for fast boats and exciting crashes were not disappointed.

Standing at the northernmost end of Pier 39, spectators were practically on top of the skiffs as they raced within a few hundred yards of shore. The start/finish line for the course was directly in front of Pier 39 with the windward mark set just east of Pier 45 and the leeward mark set a mile to the east.

Saturday’s conditions started with a relatively light 8-10 knots when the first gun went off at 12:30 p.m. By the second race wind speed had increased to about 13 knots with some puffs filling in at 15. These skiffs perform at their best between 20 and 25 knots of breeze, and as the lighter breeze forgave the sailor’s bodies, keeping the skiffs stable and in one piece was challenging.

Adding to the drama were ferries, powerboats, fishing boats, and sailboats crossing within shouting distance of the skiffs. A well coordinated effort kept everyone at a safe distance, including Pier 39’s Rocket Boat as it blasted around the Bay.

Last year’s champions from Team West Marine, Patrick Whitmarsh, Kevin Richards and Joe Penrod, returned this year to face the world champion 18-ft skiff sailor, Howie Hamlin, and crew, Matt Noble and Fritz Lanzinger, representing Team Harken. Team Harken managed to win Saturday’s four race series followed by Team West Marine in second. Chad Frietas’ skiff, Team Gym Class Fitness, suffered a gaping rip in their main sail during the fourth race, while Andrew McCorquodale’s Team Skiff Sailing broke a snatch line and block, making a challenge to the leaders difficult late in the day. Teams Spot and Switch remained beached with repairs.

On Sunday morning, foggy skies and light air threatened to reduce the regatta to a day of slow sailing as the sailors worked hard to get every advantage out of what little wind there was in the first race. By the start of the second race, big breeze developed on the far side of the course, making it one lane sailing with everyone chasing the breeze. Later in the day the wind filled in across the entire course, providing excellent racing conditions for the 18s and great spectating on shore.

 

After Day 1’s crashes and big breeze, all six teams worked tirelessly Saturday evening, repairing snapped carbon fiber bowsprits, torn sails and other equipment. No one wanted to miss Sunday’s regatta. Five teams made it to the start line, Gym Class Fitness, Harken, Skiff Sailing, Switch Clothing and West Marine. Team Spot made it to the racecourse but before they could get into a race, equipment issues forced them back to the beach for continued repairs.

 

Saturday’s leaders Team Harken had to switch out their forward hand, Matt Noble, whose knee was injured on a spinnaker take-down that day. Paul Allen stepped into Matt’s position, and Team Harken continued to dominate throughout the day on Sunday. Race 3 was the only race they failed to win as they fell behind teams West Marine and Skiff Sailing. Howie Hamlin, Harken’s skipper, Paul Allen and Fritz Lanzinger performed nearly flawlessly and took four bullets with huge leads on the competition.

Hamlin said of the event, “It’s so much fun to sail in a short course format. With all the boat traffic and the Cityfront, it’s like sailing in Sydney harbor.”

 

As with any 18er regatta, capsizes kept spectators riveted to the racecourse while crews worked to right their skiffs and/or repair damage done while their crafts lay over in the chilly Bay water.

The last race of the day was four laps. Teams already tired from two days of strenuous racing gave it their all, and more capsizes ensued in the final lap for those boats still trying to catch Team Harken. 

Team Harken walked away with the victory. It was a great way to end their regatta and position themselves for the Fall ASL Championship regatta to be held August 29-30.

 

1. Harken, 12 points

2. West Marine, 23

3. Gym Class Fitness, 34

4. Skiff Sailing Foundation, 37

5. Switch Clothing & Apparel, 43

6. Spot Satellite Messenger/Toyota Sunnyvale, DNC (Did Not Compete)

The American Sailing League was founded by Jeff Causey and Thomas Loughborough to bring ‘Aussie 18’ racing to the United States. Causey/Loughborough Racing and the American Sailing League have worked with San Francisco’s Skiff Sailing Foundation to facilitate the growth of skiff sailing across the United States. For more info visit www.americansailingleague.com. For more photos, see www.marinemediaalliance.com/gallery.

- ross tibbits, marine media alliance

Thanks to the competitors for carrying our cameras onboard and to Marine Media Alliance. We expect to have a video in about in a week, so come back!