West Coast Tour - SDYC One-Design Weekend - Kiteboarding / San Diego, CA

by Kate Sheahan
West Coast Tour Coordinator

The San Diego Yacht Club One-Design Weekend Regatta normally sees a J105 and Etchells fleet, however this past weekend was spiced up with the addition of a Kiteboarding division. The trial was a success with a registration list of 17 kiters, including Rolex Yachtsman of the Year Bill Hardesty; and a lot of new knowledge shared across a diverse collection of classes. 

True to the culture of extreme watermen found on the island of Coronado, the Kiteboarding fleet launched adjacent to the Navy SEAL’s amphibious base for four races. Ty Reed of San Diego explained that, “the 2013 Kiteboard Racing Nationals will be hosted in San Diego this October and the fleet is testing venues to choose an optimal location.” Coronado Beach is one of three candidates, in addition to the San Diego city front and South Bay. Catch additional photos and interviews with San Diego-based Nico Landauer who will walk you through his gear package for racing. Chuck Eaton and Trevor Hecht of San Diego talk about how to begin and the importance of a strong foundation, but first, see a short clip of a Kiteboard race start.

Next up, I will be at Sabot Nationals in Mission Bay for a talk by US Sailing Team Sperry Top-Sider member Zach Brown about going from junior Sabot sailing to a 49er Olympic Campaign. The open presentation will be at MBYC at 4:30pm after the first day of racing concludes. I will be covering the final day of Sabot Nationals racing - with over 150 boats expected - this Wednesday.

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Check out The West Coast Tour Schedule

SDYC One-Design Weekend 2013 - Kiteboarding, a set on Flickr.