In another indication of Richmond’s prominence as a premier waterfront city, Richmond Yacht Club Sailors battled near storm conditions on the first two days of this grueling annual four day Rolex sponsored 42nd annual San Francisco Big Boat Series sailing event to bring home an arm load of trophies and two Rolex Watches.  The event is regarded by sailors as one of the worlds premier sailing events,

 

In a town that often faces a dearth of good news, Richmond Yacht Club (RYC) and some of the world class sailors that it has nurtured get little press outside the sailing community.

 

This year Jim Gregory a second generation member of the RYC (his father was a past commodore) sailed his custom Shumacher 50 to a class win in IRC A.  He won the oldest of St. Francis Yacht Club’s six perpetual trophies, and a Rolex Watch which he promised to exchange for a ladies version and give to his wife Debbie who does bow on the boat.

 

In IRC B Mark Howe, a past Richmond Chamber of Commerce Chair sailed his Beneteau 40.7 “White Fang” to a second place finish after his headsail split in half in the heavy conditions of race two.  On bow was a nine year Richmond Yacht Club Junior Sailor, Alex Knox, whose family has lived in Point Richmond for two generations.

 

Andy Costello a resident of the Brickyard Cove’s tony “Spit” neighborhood probably put in the best show.  In the 1D35 one design fleet, Andy with Jim Barton a 1996 Gold Medalist as tactician, pulled off six first place finishes and one second.  Andy had JV Gilmore another highly decorated RYC Junior sailor on the bow who is also a resident of the Brickyard Cove neighborhood.

 

Richmond Yacht Club junior program starts each year in the fall.  Children have to be over the age of 8 years old and must be swimmers.  The training boat they use is an “El Toro” -- a boat designed on the floor of Richmond Boats Works on Cutting Blvd. now part of KKMI.  Students must have their own boat and it has to be in the water and rigged by 9:00 each Sunday.  Parent involvement is extensive.

 

There is still time for Richmond youth to sign up this year.  Please check the RYC website (http://www.richmondyc.org) for further info. There are scholarships available for children whose families are economically challenged.