What’s in a word? When speaking of “tradition”, one’s immediate response is a split-second scrutiny of whether the event in question is worthy of being associated with innumerable important traditions in our lives. What follows next is basically a subconscious, mental checklist of parameters that must be met to be called a tradition. The first one that comes to mind is determining if the event exerts a meaningful impact on our lives. But the ultimate barometer is examining how that event survives multiple historical iterations over time. It goes without saying that our great club has many rich traditions, some of which are being created as each year unfolds. The fascinating thing about traditions is that it’s impossible to determine which events will become embraced traditions over time, from the outset.
Nearly 20 years ago, when the Model Yacht Fleet was founded, I doubt whether many folks would have anticipated that it would withstand the test of time. On the weekend of August 3-4 that question was answered emphatically when we hosted the CR914 National Championship regatta for the 6th time. Beginning in 2003 and then ‘06, we hosted two Nationals sailed in La Playa cove. Then, every third year after that, we hosted the event three times at the Mission Bay model boat pond. While that location was a great racing locale, there was something missing; the yachting traditions and history of SDYC.
To better understand the distinction, it’s essential to consider the difference between hobbyists and yachtsmen. Model yachting draws participants from both camps. The “pond” is dominated by hobbyists; those that have workshops filled with myriad, radio-controlled scale models. Our fleet is composed of yachting men and women looking for an alternative means to express their passion, and bringing the Nats back to the club punctuated that emphatically.
Under the watchful eye of SDYC RC chair and regatta organizer, Joanne O’Dea, along with hubbie and regatta chair, John Rudderham, this year’s Nationals was a resounding success. Including skippers traveling from as far as Annapolis and Seattle, the “soul vibe” for all participants was palpable. Conducting 25 races in two days in a terrific new venue at the end of E dock, PRO Sandy Warrick kept us on schedule with competitive racing that was smooth as butter...mostly.
On Sunday, after securing his 3rd National title, winner and Star Worlds champ, George Szabo, summed it up nicely. “We are so appreciative to have the full support of the amazing RC volunteers at the club. It really did a lot to showcase our fleet and helps secure its unique place in our yacht club’s history”. Later George chuckled at the unfamiliar nuance created with the mark-set folks, who didn’t need to change any marks for the day, but did have to chase after, and rescue five runaway, unresponsive, model boats running off the course.
Sunday’s trophy presentation on the Spinnaker deck saw Fleet Captain, S/C Sandy Purdon, along with Commodore Biehl, award George with the “mini America’s Cup” perpetual. Dave Ramos, multiple past national champ from Annapolis, was second, with David Ryan a close third.
Without a doubt, however, the highlight of the regatta was the festive dinner party hosted by Sandy and Kathy Purdon at their beautiful home. A catered taquero provided delicious Mexican treats and the hospitality was equally superb. Many thanks go out to them, but our sincere, ultimate appreciation is for our great yacht club and all that we represent as a yachting family.