DANA POINT — Westwind Sailing hosted the final Dana Point Harbor, Youth Soda-Pop Sailing Race of the season on Aug. 10 with several young sailors claiming coveted awards.
The regatta marks the end to the seven-race summer series which has been running for five years in Dana Point Harbor.
A typical regatta includes 20 – 30 boats, five to seven divisions and kids ranging in age from 8 – 18 years. On Aug. 10 a total of 28 racers competed.
Race Results Tera Class: 1st: Oliver Ernest; 2nd: Nathaniel Espinoza. Quba Class: 1st: Jaden Talay; 2nd: Ludi Bialek; 3rd: Natalie Frady. Capri Class: 1st: Jeff DeLaurie/Karen DeLaurie; 2nd: Callen Viter/Tyler Douglas; 3rd: Cross Viter/Ray Pickman/Wyatt Borchard, Laser Class: 1st: Noah DeLaurie; 2nd: Dylan DelPrado; 3rd: Parker Ryan. Vision Class: 1st: Christopher Mullen/Claire Mullen; 2nd: Jackie Mullen/Emma Feasey. 420/CFJ Class: 1st: Chase DeLaurie/Ethan DeLaurie; 2nd: Colin Sekerka/Rowan Spates/Riley Lenthall.
Each week during the summer, youth sailors from Dana Point Yacht Club, Westwind Sailing, Dana West Yacht Club and Mariner Sea Scouts converge in the West Basin for an evening of excitement and fun competition. The programs rotate hosting and race committee duties weekly but each club provides at least one safety boat with volunteers to monitor and assist on the water at each event.
While the series has expanded to include adults, race organizers emphasis the focus remains on the youth.
The Soda Pop Series is the brainchild of former Dana Point YC Commodore Dan Hodge. In 2012, Hodge envisioned a race series for the youth of the various educational sailing programs throughout the harbor. The directors of the harbor’s youth sailing programs met to discuss the idea and bring it to fruition. Five years later, the series is a thriving success and a wonderful cooperation between the programs.
Awards ceremonies follow directly after each regatta to recognize the winners. An added bonus of the ceremonies is that they build unity and respect amongst the racers, volunteers and programs.
The Soda Pop series is free for the sailors.
For more information contact Diane Wenzel, executive director of Westwind Sailing at 949- 235-2252 or [email protected] or visit westwindsailing.com.
