Ken Hoover Memorial Regional Youth Regatta King Harbor Yacht Club
King Harbor Yacht Club recently hosted the Ken Hoover Memorial Regatta, the final race in a season series of regional youth ‘Optimist’ sailing regattas. The regatta is named in honor of a King Harbor Yacht Club member who supported youth sailing. This ‘Carrie Series’ is managed by the Southern California Youth Yacht Racing Association, making stops in Santa Barbara, Ventura, Marina Del Rey, Cabrillo Beach, Newport Beach, and finally King Harbor.
Seventy-nine young sailors competed at our harbor, coming from twelve different clubs. This year, instead of racing in the protected harbor, the 39 newer sailors of the ‘Green Fleet’ joined the 40-boat ‘Championship Fleet’, to sail in the more challenging open ocean. The course was set up outside of the far north end of the harbor, where the parents could directly view the racing from the clubhouse. The ‘Champ’ fleet participates in the full six-race regional series.
The races are sailed in “Optimists”, which are 8-foot sail boats, helmed by single youth racers, ages 8-15. ‘Optis’ are the largest competitive fleet in the world, with racers graduating to become the top high school and collegiate sailors.
Saturday morning, the kids rigged and launched their boats in rain with blustery winds, and the ‘Green Fleet’ looked a bit apprehensive about heading out into the open ocean. However, by early afternoon, they were rewarded with sun and more moderated winds that continued for the day and through Sunday.
Joshua Wenokur, of South Coast Corinthian Yacht Club, won both the Ken Hoover Regatta and the overall Carrie Series. Second place in the Championship Feet went to Mason Lim, also from SCCYC. Third place went to Harper Swezea of Alamitos Bay Yacht Club. Fourth and fifth places went to Storm Husky Kim (BCS) and Eloise Chadwick (SCCYC/CBYC).
Trophies were awarded by the King Harbor Youth Director, Roger O’Connor.
Results posted: https://theclubspot.com/regatta/AQxAVIvm4t/results
Video of racing: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Na42wqgFLB4
The Green Fleet
Local King Harbor sailors, participating in the ‘Champ’ Fleet, included Vincent Hebson, Ari Waldman, Bennett Hirsch, Christopher Allyn, Shane Estess, Sonora Staloch, and Neva Henry.
Joshua Wenokur - 1st Place
Mason Lim - 2nd Place
Harper Swezea - 3rd Place
New young King Harbor sailors, finishing in the top 10 of the ‘Green’ Fleet included Mia Delanty and West Cooper.
For families interested in sailing, the King Harbor Youth Foundation encourages kids to start with their summer sailing program. King Harbor Yacht Club also provides its members with Adult Sailing lessons on 24-foot sailboats – make it a family activity!