With year round warm weather, San Diego Yacht Club is often recognized as one of the busiest yacht clubs in the country. In 2017 alone, SDYC's Race Committee provided 90 venues over the course of 78 days with 99 total volunteers. With a similar number and stature of events on the calendar, 2018 is expected to be another full year.
From member racing accomplishments around the country, club member recognition, to club building improvements, 2017 was a phenomenal year for SDYC in the yachting community. See what made the list of 10 stand out moments of the year.
There were 140 teams that completed SDYC’s signature Hot Rum Series over three races (November 4, 18, and December 2) this year. Aside from some light winds, the weather was decent and sunny during all three races. Similar to past years, the race utilized a pursuit start so boats could finish around the same time and head back to the docks for the infamous after parties.
In addition to winning Fleet 1, Jim and Heather Madden and their team on Stark Raving Mad VII (Swan 601) took the overall 2017 Hot Rum Series title. At this point, the Maddens have made winning this race an annual routine. Most recently they won the 2016 Hot Rum Series on Stark Raving Mad VII and the 2015 Hot Rum Series on the Ranger 33 Raving Madness.
Other fleet winners included Dennis Conner’s NM43 Menace (Fleet 2), Joe Markee’s Swede 55 Ohana (Fleet 3), Fabian Gomez-Ibarra’s J/70 Vagazo (Fleet 4), Karen Busch’s Ericson 35 mk2 Wani Racing (Fleet 5), and Mick Moore’s Ranger 37 Masquerade (Fleet 6).
Jimmie Lowe from Nassau Yacht Club sent Commodore John Reiter a thank you note regarding the 2017 International Masters Regatta. We are grateful for his words and wanted to share them this holiday season.