On this episode of the San Diego Yacht Club Sailcast, SDYC Staff Commodore Andy La Dow joins us to talk about his background in sailing, the Etchells fleet, and his time as Commodore at SDYC.
S/C Andy La Dow’s roots in San Diego started with his Grandfather. He and host Alli Bell discuss his time at the Club as a child, and the differences in the junior program now, stating that as different as it may be, the values and philosophy of the program will always remain the same. S/C La Dow mentions growing up as a kid around some influential sailors who shaped his adult sailing career.
Starting with Sabots, S/C La Dow tells us a story about Sabot Nationals as a child, coming in second behind Danny North - a memory he will never forget.
This past spring, S/C La Dow won the Etchells Orca Bowl with his son and skipper of the boat, Will. S/C La Dow goes into sailing with his family during the pandemic. From there, he talks about the Etchells class and how the fleet as been evolving. He has spent a lot of time in the Etchells class and talks about the local success, how they are building up the fleet, and how to buy boats that might be available.
The two discuss the concern that we were losing the everyday recreational sailor, but agree that the pandemic has been increasing interest in getting out on boats through the pandemic. They also discuss the success of the Laser fleet.
Currently, S/C La Dow has been busy sailing the Beer Cans with Dennis Conner and several other of his regular sailing Beer Can crews.
Lastly, S/C La Dow talks about his time on the Board as Commodore at the Club.
“This yacht club has been blessed to have people with the right skills at the right time.”