FIESTA CUP A GREAT TEST FOR S.B. YACHTSMEN By Dennis Bateman – Santa Barbara News-Press

“Sailing enthusiasts gathered along Leadbetter Beach and Shoreline Park to watch the races last Friday and Saturday, as yachtsmen showcased their skills. There were eight entrants in the Farr 40 class race that headlined this year’s cup. In the second running of the class, it was Piranha that rallied to defend its title from a year ago. Driven by David Voss of the California Yacht Club in Marina Del Rey, the Piranha, was slightly behind after the first day, but finished first in the 5th race and fourth in the fourth and sixth races to finish with 16 total points. Skian Dhu of Santa Barbara Yacht Club took second place with 19 points. Skippered by Dirk Freeland, the Skian Dhu finished second in the first two races and was tops in the third on Saturday, but couldn’t sustain its momentum on Sunday.

Two other entrants from California Yacht Club, the Dark Star and the Far Niente, finished third (21) and fourth (22), respectively. The Temptress from Long Beach Yacht Club was unable to finish the first race and retired for the remainder of the first day, but rallied on Sunday with first place finishes in the fourth and sixth races and a third place finish in the fifth to finish fifth overall with 32 points. Woolly Bully of King Harbor Yacht Club was sixth with 34. Cabrillo Beach Yacht Club entrant White Knight was seventh with 36 and Ohana of Dana Point Yacht Club was eighth with 39 points.”

Ed. Note: Fiesta Cup should be the biggest event in Southern California. Santa Barbara YC had a fire on the beach, live music, free margaritas and Mexican buffet. Sitting down with friends with your toes in the sand after a day’s racing is as good as it gets!