2016 saw the 42nd running of the Zellerbach/Elvstrom regatta- hosted by the St.FYC with 7 different classes racing along the San Francisco city front. Dinghies, multi-hulls and kitefoilers were well represented with 100+ sailors on the course both Saturday for light air racing and Sunday when the big breeze kicked in.
First run in 1962- it made an important switch for the St.FYC who previously ran and hosted ‘yacht races.’ Dinghies were invited into the fold and for many years the one manned Finn class reigned supreme with the biggest fleet. Local legend, Ed Bennett was the first be be fed through the pipeline competing at the 1972 Olympics while representing the St.FYC. Later, it was combined into the Elvestom/Zellerbach regatta honoring Paul Elvstrom, winner of 4 Gold Olympic medals. Fast forward 40+ years and the pipeline still flows with 4 St.FYC members competing in the summers 2016 Olympics in Finn, 49 FX skiff class, Laser radial class and in the Windsurfer class.
Saturday saw a fickle northerly breeze turn westerly later in the afternoon and 3 races were run for the foiling kite class after the dinghies finished their morning races in light, shifty & puffy conditions. Most the kite fleet were on 12-15m foil kites but I was never even able to make it to the starting line with a 13.5m tube kite. The bubble on the beach made it nearly impossible to get the kite flying and get going. I made 3 attempts but finally bailed and watched the fleet from shore. Interesting enough, many of the foil kites who did make it to the course had to be rescued when their kites went down or got tangled.
The modern foil kites are an all together faster set up, proving more lift and greater range than a tube kite but come with its own set of vulnerabilities. Like any new innovations, there’s a learning curve and most mistakes can be attributed to pilot error. The foil kites are especially vulnerable when they go down on the water. There is a limited relaunch time before the kite turns into a giant sea anchor. The bridle set up is way more complicated than a typical tube kite and can result in some incredible spaghetti during a self rescue.
However, when its done right, a foiling kite board and foil kite are a thing of wonder in the light breeze. Heineken made it look all too easy, nailing all of this foiling tacks and gybes and getting 3 bullets for the afternoon The thought of being able to make my transitions and foil in 8k keeps me coming back for more- despite the early setbacks.
Full report at www.stevebodner.blogspot.
Steve Bodner
USA-4
