Dana Point's Harbor Championships capped off a year of competitive racing in a format unique to most regattas. This invitation only event is an all inclusive regatta with one fleet and one start. From a J-24 to a J-125 and an Olson 30 to a Santa Cruz 50 there was an eclectic mix of boats competing to be the Harbor Champ of 2012.
Ullman Sails were well represented with more than 2/3 of the fleet flying the red/blue logo. Jack Taylor and Team Horizon were trying for their first Harbor Championships and were one of the favorites. Multiple Harbor Champ Biff Bunny was also at the top of the billing and so were a plethora of other well sailed boats. Last years winner Jason Adamson and his team on White Lightning had to be without their leader for Saturday which would have an affect on their regatta.
The weekend saw light southerly winds that were a little shifty at times giving the RC a tough time as well as making things challenging for the sailors. Saturday saw a great start from the Olson 30 'Grey Goose' as they found themselves on the favored side of the line all by themselves! Power Point (Henderson 30) took advantage of near perfect Hendo conditions to win race 1 with Grey Goose second. Jack Taylor's Horizon held on for a fourth place finish and were now ready to build on that.
The Second and third race on Saturday were also a light air affair. Team Horizon consistently sailed into the lead with two impressive victories. Things were shaping up as Horizon lead with the J-125, Henderson 30 and Olson 30 all in close contention for the top prize. A minor blip (7th) from the Grey Goose team meant they had their work cut out for them if they were to claim top honors.
Sunday saw one windward/leeward and one random leg course that would round out the regatta. Race one was again a light air event which saw Horizon run away with the race and the regatta. Great sailing from a great team and boat. The random leg race was the finale and saw sparks flying right from the start. The Henderson 30 Power Point were trying to be aggressive and over did it a little and fouled the J-125 as well as a J-24. The Olson 30 Grey Goose got a fantastic start and were trying to solidify a third place which they did after the penalties at the start.
Another year of great racing and great Race Committee came to an end. Special thanks to David Bolton and his team of volunteers for putting on an outstanding event.
Final Result:
First-Horizon
Second-Timeshaver
Third-Grey Goose
Fourth-Power Point
Fifth-White Lightning
