26th Annual Laguna Regatta Race set
Eleven teams, including four from Japan, have confirmed to participate in the 26th Annual Laguna Regatta which will be held on Feb. 24 and 25. This year’s competition will be hosted by the Over the Reef Yacht Club.
The regatta is for Hobie and Prindle catamarans that are 16 feet in length and are sailed by a 2 person team.
There will be 2 divisions of competitors. The A fleet of experienced sailors and the B fleet for novice competitors.
Racing will be held in the Tanapag lagoon north of Managaha Island. The course will be the standard Olympic triangle course that sails upwind, then on a reach towards the outer reef-line and then downwind towards to Managaha.
The races will be coordinated by the race committee anchored at the start/finish line. The race committee will be headed by Hans and Tanya Hoogerveen, Bobby Ayres and Nancy Grotfield.
Brian McMahon and Larry Bacon will provide the Committee boat. There will also be a chase boat on the course to monitor the racers and provide assistance if needed.
Defending champions, Tony Stearns & Janet McCullough are favored to win again. However, strong competition from the Japanese teams will provide a true test.
Also featured this year are five Hobie catamarans that were previously used in the World Championships in Australia. These top quality boats with spectacular sails will provide a great sight on the water.
Some of the major sponsors for this year’s event include Hong Kong & Shanghai Banking Corporation, Coca Cola Beverage Company, Subway and Pacific Trading.
The Club commends the continued support of its sponsors and volunteers. Race registration will be held at the Pacific Gardenia from 6:00pm to 8:00pm on Friday. For further information, p[lease contact Mark Thompson at 322-7337/8/9.
