LAKE COUNTY — The Konocti Bay Sailing Club (KBSC) hosted the 26th annual Konocti Cup Sailing Regatta on Clear Lake on Saturday. More than 40 sailboats entered the race with skippers and crew from Northern California and Nevada along with many from Lake County. The race is a 26-mile marathon on the southern legs of Clear Lake. Race headquarters was the Buckingham Homeowners Association clubhouse. It provided an excellent location for the race festivities as well as a great viewing spot, according to Commodore Gary Jolley.
The race got under way at 11 a.m. under the command of Jim Carlsen, the principal race officer. There were three divisions of mono-hull boats, all vying for the trophies in each division. First to finish in Division A was Pat Brown on his Melges 24, completing the race in four hours, 1 minute and 53 seconds. Corrected handicap time results put the Konocti “Cup” and First Place in the hands of Tom Burden, from Richmond Yacht Club, on his Ultimate 20. In the “B” division local skippers TJ Mickel captured second place on his J-24, with Wayne Hallenbeck on his Olson 25 finishing first but correcting out to third place, one second behind Mickel.
The half cup division, sailing only the first 13 miles of the course was dominated by Lake County skippers. First to finish and taking first place was Jim Westman on his Capri 26, “Sante.” Second went to Bob Hipkiss, on his Capri 26, “Way Cool” and third to Doug Jones on his Balboa 26, “Just For Play.”
In addition, a fourth division for the fast Multi-hulls was won by Bill Erkelens Sr., also from Richmond Yacht Club, on his Tornado. He finished the 26-mile course in a blazing speed of two hours, 47 minutes and 35 seconds.
The day was perfect with perfect winds and all participants had a great experience on Clear Lake with no major mishaps, damage or injuries. The Lake County Coast Guard Auxiliary provided a safety perimeter for the racers and stood by if assistance was needed.
Sunday morning more than 100 racers and guests enjoyed an awards brunch at the Buckingham facility, catered by Rosey Cooks. KBSC Commodore Jolley, welcomed everyone and officiated the program, presenting the trophies to the winners with the assistance of Vice Commodore Paul Richardson and Race Officer Jim Carlsen. Commodore Jolley also extended appreciation to all the club members who put forth the many hours of preparation for the successful event. Acknowledgement was given to the sponsors for donations and support: Boats For Sail, Bruno”s Smart Shop, Rose Exterminators, Braito”s Marina, “Carlsen and Associates, Down Under Boatworks, Ross and Monica Collins, Paul and Julie Richardson, WestAmerica Bank, Zino”s Restaurant, Eden Crest Vineyard and Ferndale Resort.
The goal of the Konocti Bay Sailing Club is to promote and enjoy the sport of sailing. This annual event fulfills that goal. For more information regarding KBSC, go to the Web site www.kbsail.com.
