Clear Lake’s biggest regatta complete
- Lake County News reports
- Posted On
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Konocti Bay Sailing Club hosted its 34th annual Konocti Cup sailing regatta on Clear Lake April 28.
While attendance was down somewhat due to a popular race on the San Francisco Bay, there were still close to 30 intrepid vessels participating in four divisions, some for the 13 mile Half Cup but most for the 26 mile Full Cup.
Boats from as far as Oregon, Sierra foothills and the “sister” club in Richmond came to enjoy great sailing on a great spring day of light showers and sun with challenging winds.
Commodore Brad King said the club always enjoys the annual attendance of the Wylie Wabbit fleet from Richmond Yacht Club. A very fast keelboat with crews that hike out on trapezes, they not only have a great shot at winning the big race but are fun sailors with boat names that reflect sailors' fleet attitudes; names like Kwazy and Weckless.
While they are the boats to beat, local racers on Capri 25s can have their day as the boats are well suited to local conditions and this year proved the point.
The race was fun and one Wabbit, Bad Hare Day, won the overall honors by finishing the 26 mile race in just over four hours. King said local boats and sailors took the next three positions.
Each year the racers are greeted back at Braito’s harbor with a great meal hosted by the local Coast Guard Auxiliary squadron and most visitors stay over the weekend to attend an awards ceremony at a local venue – this year at Riviera Hills Restaurant – and take advantage of the many attractions unique to Lake County.
Local businesses are gracious in contributing to help the club host a quality event. This year, the marquee sponsor, Clear Lake Veterinary Clinic, gave generously so they could provide a pre-race breakfast, cool swag and trophies.
King said the Konocti Bay Sailing Club season is under way with the usual full slate of activities.
While many members sail all year at the informal OSIRs sail each week, the club organizes regattas twice a month as well as social sails and gatherings on and off the water throughout the warmer months. These include activities appropriate for anyone from novices wanting to learn to highly competitive buoy races.
King said the oldest regular sailor is an 88 year old foredeck specialist and the youngest is 17. More than a quarter of the members are female and comprise the core of some of the best drivers.
Since most skippers need crew one basically needs only to show up to get a ride. After a few sails, you will learn what types of boat or crews best suit your way to spend a beautiful day on the lake.
Whether you want racing experience you can take to the SF Bay, info on prepping for a blue water cruise, or simply want a “don’t spill the Chardonnay” ride, there’s probably a boat for you.
If you want to sail, volunteer, sponsor or improve this venerable institution that keeps sailing on Clear Lake generation after generation please. Visit http://www.kbsail.org/ for more information or follow the group on Facebook.