International Masters Regatta at San Diego Yacht Club

International Masters Regatta in San Diego © Cynthia Sinclair and Mark Albertazzi

International Masters Regatta in San Diego © Cynthia Sinclair and Mark Albertazzi

International Masters Regatta in San Diego © Cynthia Sinclair and Mark Albertazzi

Out of twelve legendary sailors, one has sailed away with the title of International Masters Regatta Champion. On the final day of racing it was Augie Diaz who finished in first place for the three day regatta, continuing his streak of impressive finishes. Diaz also took gold for the 2013 Star Western Hemisphere Championship and 2013 Star Winter Series Championship.

Saturday afternoon brought in steady winds ranging from 9 to 12 kts and set the stage for a total of four highly competitive races. By the end of the day it was Bob Fisher who led the regatta, followed by Gary Jobson and Augie Diaz who sat a mere five points behind the leader. However, even with picture perfect San Diego racing conditions, the regatta's most memorable moments on Saturday happened off the water. In an annual tradition, each of the 12 skippers shared the stories they have collected over decades of sailing by introducing their crews with speeches that are equal parts comedy roast and commendation.

Sports commentator Gary Jobson, whose Olympic coverage even won an Emmy in 1988 and professional spokesperson Tom Ehman were among the crowd favourites, proving even further that this group of skippers truly knows everything about sailing, both on and off the water.

The final day of the regatta would bring back the shifting winds, but the race committee worked hard to spot out the steadiest locations, moving the course and weather marks accordingly. The founder of the regatta Don Trask and Jonathan Wright both excelled in Sunday's conditions, taking them from their previous positions in the middle of the scoreboard to second and third place overall. Unable to manage the shifty winds, day two's leader Bob Fisher fell to sixth place.

Overall, competitors had a great time sailing out on the beautiful San Diego Bay. For many of them, this regatta is not just a competition to see who can still sail the fastest, but a way to see familiar faces. Several of the skippers were also college rivals, turning the Masters regatta into a rematch of sorts. Bill Campbell, crewing for childhood friend Gary Jobson said "I had a great time. The competition was excellent and all the competitors want to do well. But they also want to spend time with people they have known for many years, and catch up with their lives and families. It's a regatta with a bunch of guys and women who are simply happy to be able to continue competing in the sport we have known and loved for most of our lives."

International Masters Regatta in San Diego - photo © Cynthia Sinclair and Mark Albertazzi

Diaz wasn't the only one to walk away with a trophy on Sunday, as Malin Burnham, the force that makes this regatta possible, introduced a new tradition into the competition. The last place finisher Tom Ehman was awarded with a silver shovel, which as Burnham describes is to help "shovel yourself out of last place for next year." Though it's a new tradition, the shovel already represents what this regatta is about: a fun (and sometimes funny) way to honour the legends of the sport. To see the complete list of competitors, view race results and stay up-to-date with the competition, visit our website at www.sdyc.org/masters.

Overall Results:

Thank you to supporting sponsors Sunroad Resort Maria, San Diego Boat Show, JK3 Yachts, Ballast Point Brewing, Jackson Design & Remodeling, Dixieline Lumber & Home Centers, Jones Lumber, North Sails and North Sails One Design. And special thanks to the local J/105 owners lending their boats to make this regatta possible.

Photo Gallery at www.flickr.com/photos/sdyc/sets/72157648943506291