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The 2012 edition of the International 18' Regatta got underway Monday after a slight delay due to some major Cat Fight taking place on the SF City Front in the the days prior, which essentially eliminated the prior 3 days of unloading and practicing for crews before the big event.
Fact of the matter, event god father Howie Hamlin had been in talks day prior to get permission from the good folks at Artemis Racing to be allowed to launch at their HQ in the Sea Plane Harbor at Alameda Point to get some practice in prior. When the deal fell through, some members quickly mobilized and got some boats over to the public launch near AT&T Park. With Giants Games going on simultaneously, one word comes to mind: CORE
The fleet was finally allowed access to Crissy Field by late morning on Monday when the containers holding the majority of boats was finally unloaded at Little Marina Green, and the crew mobilized to get the ball rolling ASAP. The concept of just rolling out, and assembling the boats for a practice run was soon trumped by a " Let's Get The Show On The Road" mindset, and the crews hustled to get it together to make a 5:00 PM start. Late, but not too late.
With the determination of a bull fighter, the crews assembled their rigs post haste, and many launched just minutes before the 17:00 1st Gun. With plenty of sun, warm temps and a south westerly in the 15-20 knot range the crews lite out to SF Bay, many for the very, very 1st time.
The start was delayed further by mechanical difficulties of one of the mark set boats, but when all was said and done, it was a glorious beginning for the 18 entries, the largest ever in the events history.
With 8 Kiwi teams, 3 Aussie and 7 West Coat Teams, the International intrigue mingles with the bravado of the local sailors. Don't kid yourself, these guys and gals mean business, but in a very, very civilized manner. Sailors helping sailors is the underlying message here, and top performance and luck play a very big part of the game. It's like one big extended family.
They managed to squeeze in two races this fine, fine SF Bay afternoon, and for some it was an auspicious beginning, with 4 DNF's in the 1st Race and 2 in the second, " Frisco Bay" as the overseas teams refer to it, is not always kind.
But 18' sailors have always been a tough brood, and little things like a broken this or a torn that, seldom deter the member of this fraternity, many of which are rolling repair stations. The ability to bounce back from minor or major mishaps is just part of the game
Todays results favored the visiting teams, with the 4 best results going to the Kiwis and Aussies, and the best "Merican" placing being the godfather himself, Howie Hamlin sitting in 5th. But the International 18 regatta has always been a marathon. Hang on kids, this one's in bound to be a beauty!
Results Thus Far
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