Short Sightings: YRA Lightship Race and Marine First Aid Class

This Saturday, April 19, the YRA will host the Lightship Race as part of the 2025 Offshore Series. When we wrote to Richmond Yacht Club member John Dukart to learn more about the history of the race, John replied, “When the Lightship started is the ‘Big Bang’ of Bay Area yachting,” and that this is “the umpty-umpth Lightship race.” He later sent us a copy of a newspaper clipping from the San Francisco Examiner, dated 1908, with the headline, “YANKEE MAKES BEST TIME IN RACE AROUND LIGHTSHIP.” (Note the all-caps style.)

John also sent us a couple of images of the actual lightship that we understand served as the race buoy. Our research indicates that the San Francisco lightship, vessel number LV 605, was anchored in the shipping lane 8.5 miles from the city.

John sent us the photo below of a Bird boat appearing to hit the mark.

And as for John’s personal race experience? “My own personal anecdote was I once rounded the lightship buoy while it was on the deck of a buoy tender getting some maintenance.” That is certainly unique, John!

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In other news for this weekend, the Island Yacht Club’s Women’s Sailing Seminar is hosting a Basic Marine First Aid course on Saturday, April 26, 10 a.m. to noon, at Alameda Marina.

Join fellow sailors, Registered Nurse Caroline Schrader and Respiratory Care Practitioner Tracy Ward, to learn the basics of first aid when you’re on the water (or land) and understand the most important supplies for your first aid kit. The class includes a short presentation from the US Coast Guard Auxiliary. Bring your PFD to be properly fitted by an Auxiliary officer.

The class is open to everyone. BYO lunch. Beverages will be provided.

Registration is $40. This covers the cost of materials. Build and take home your own first aid kit.

Register here by April 21 to win a prize at the class.

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