SCYA’s 89th Midwinter Regatta adds two yacht clubs
February 2, 2018
About 2,500 sailors are expected to compete in one of the largest boating races on record.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — One of the largest boating races in the nation will be a little bit bigger this year, as Southern California Yachting Association (SCYA) added two yacht clubs to the 89th Midwinters Regatta, which is scheduled for the second and third weekends of February at multiple venues.
Hundreds of powerboats, radio controlled boats and sailboats will compete in the 89th Midwinters Regatta, held Feb. 10-11 and Feb. 17-18 at multiple yacht clubs.
SCYA added Morro Bay Yacht Club in Central California and Nevada Yacht Club in Southern Nevada to this year’s event. Sailors competing at the Morro Bay YC and Nevada YC events will compete off the San Luis Obispo coast and in Lake Mead, respectively.
In all, the 89th Midwinters Regatta will have boats competing in 100 separate classes at 27 yacht clubs, with about 2,500 sailors expected to participate. The entry fee ranges from $17 for model boats to $55 vessels larger than 30 feet.
The partial list of participating yacht clubs include: Alamitos Bay; American Legion; Bahia Corinthian; Balboa; Cabrillo Beach; Channel Islands; Coronado; Dana Point; Dana West; Lake Mission Viejo; Long Beach; Mission Bay; Newport Harbor; Oceanside; San Diego; Seal Beach; Silver Gate; and, Southwestern.
Lake Gregory Yacht Club will be hosting its Midwinter Regatta race on May 19.
Some of the classes featured in this year’s Midwinter Regatta include 505, Cal 20, Lido 14, Harbor 20, Thistle, Senior Naples Sabots A and B, Mercury, Tartan 101, J/109, Flying Tigers 10, PHRF A-D, Optimist Carrie Series, Nirvana RC, Balboa 13, Farr 40, Laser Radials, Beneteau 36.7, Catalina fleet and Capri 14.2.
The annual regatta was first introduced in 1928, when SCYA and the L.A. Junior Chamber of Commerce worked together to promote winter sports activity in Southern California. Sailors from across the country reportedly competed in the regatta.
A perpetual trophy for the sail competition was deeded to the Midwinters Regatta in 1930; it is still awarded to the winner of the Star class.
Sailors interested in participating or registering in the 89th Midwinters Regatta should visit scyamidwinterregatta.org or contact Themis Z. Glatman at TLadyManor1@aol.com.
SCYA, an umbrella organization for more than 90 yacht clubs in the western United States, is now in its 96th year.
