Wednesday Night on the Alternative Bluewater Venue of Lake Tahoe
While Pacific Cup racers were looking forward to the clear blue waters of Oahu, other sailors were enjoying a bluewater destination a bit closer to home. Away from the hustle and bustle of San Francisco Bay’s summer racing, South Lake Tahoe was the place to be. At the end of the busy Fourth of July tourist season, last Wednesday, July 10, saw the local racing scene out and active in a laid-back and fun Tahoe vibe. The two-week-old heat wave was almost over. Although the daytime temps under the strong Sierra sun were still in the high 80s, the wind was perfect for an evening race from just off Tahoe Keys on a short course before sunset.
The boats ranged from big cruisers to Santa Cruz-built ULDBs such as SC27s, six Express 27s and a Moore 24, with four Melges 24s in the mix. During the summer, South Lake Tahoe Windjammers Yacht Club packs in as many races as they can before the snow falls. After the season, many truck their boats to San Francisco Bay to continue racing in the winter. The feeder race for the Tahoe summer is the Delta Ditch Run in early June. The time to head downhill is for Richmond Yacht Club’s Great Pumpkin Regatta in late October.
Race chair Sam Corso described the format: “We do about four long-distance races and several beer can races in the summer. This one was a pursuit race we call the Intergalactic instead of the usual beer can. The racers handled the scoring on Wednesday. Everyone could see their finish position. But the rest of the season is scored normally with division starts and PHRF handicaps.” There’s a trophy at the end of the series for the winner.
The club also offers a weekend series of more serious races from June through September. Every Wednesday from May to October has a race. All are welcome (even the North Shore folks if they want to make the trip). The group running the races and making the most impact are young, enthusiastic sailors. They appreciate the outdoors and having fun in a beautiful location. “Sailors in the summer, skiers in the winter.”
Lake Tahoe offers a unique freshwater experience for racers, with a variety of conditions. It’s perfect for trailerable boats from the Bay and beyond that seek a taste of the clear, bluewater experience.
Editor’s Note: Speaking of “a variety of conditions,” Saturday’s Trans-Tahoe Race out of Tahoe YC in Tahoe City (North Shore) was a tad different. More on that in Friday’s ‘Lectronic Latitude.