Young sailors compete in West Coast Championships
Alex Beggs, from King Harbor Yacht Club finished 5th overall.
Reese Lieser, of the King Harbor Yacht Club, finished 13th overall and 2nd in the girl’s division.
Tyler Burks, of the King Harbor Yacht Club.
Palmer Mays, of the King Harbor Yacht Club.
Vincent Hebson, of the King Harbor Yacht Club.
Cruising the Esplanade.
Photos by Volker Corell
King Harbor Yacht Club in partnership with King Harbor Youth Foundation (KHYF) hosted the USODA West Coast Championships on the weekend of August 7. The competition was a qualifier for the 2022 team trials, to be held in Oyster Bay, New York. Nearly 50 sailors, ages 8 to 15 years, came from as far north as the San Francisco Yacht Club.
Saturday’s conditions were variable winds at 8 knots with gusts to 14, offering ideal conditions during the four races. Following the races, The sailors, their families and volunteers attended a barbeque, hosted by Manhattan Meats, Mickey’s Deli, and the King Harbor Yacht Club. A raffle featured prizes donated by Spyder Surfboards, ET Surf, Dive N Surf, North Sails, West Coast Sailing, Lon Gundie, West Marine and McLaughlin.
Sunday’s conditions were similar to Saturday’s, but the wind started out of the southwest before swinging around to the typical prevailing winds out of the northwest.
The fleet started off a little anxious, causing two general recalls in the first race. Then they settled down. and were able to complete three races.
Cooper Keeves from Del Rey Yacht Club won first overall, with four first place finishes. Katlia Sherman from California Yacht Club and William Stratton from Del Rey Yacht Club tied for 2nd. Gage Christopher from Alamitos Bay Yacht Club took 4th. Alex Beggs, from King Harbor Yacht Club finished 5thh overall and 2ndin Blue fleet (sailors ages 11-12 years old). Our other local sailors who finished well included Reese Lieser, finishing 13th overall and 2nd in the girl’s in the standings. Joaquin DesRochers finished 15th overall. Tyler Burks finished 26tg and Katie Akens finished 30th.
Youth sailing is open to King Harbor Yacht Club members and non members. For more information visit KHYC.com. ER