Santana 22: Fifty Years of Fun

The Santana 22 class celebrated 50 years of camaraderie at their 2016 National Championship held in Santa Cruz, CA.

But what is the secret to their longevity? What motivates sailors to invest so much time, energy, and money into one class for half a century? Longtime Santana 22 class member Anne Aldercamp responds:
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What do you enjoy the most about sailing the Santana 22?
The Santana 22 sails really well in the windy conditions of the San Francisco Bay, I always feel happy and confident on the helm, even in some pretty crazy conditions. My husband and I sail together as much as possible; sailing together as a couple is wonderful!

What do you feel is the greatest challenge as a captain of a fleet?
We have a very diverse fleet, with young and old, experienced and novice, competitive and laid-back skippers and we are trying to keep everyone involved and happy. The other thing is that the boats hail from all over the San Francisco Bay and we barely see each other after the races so it is hard to set up a social structure. We organize some events, including an awards dinner, to at least see each other every now and then.

Has your involvement in the Santana fleet influenced you as a person?
I have made many friends among the other Santana 22 skippers, we are a very friendly and supportive fleet. Also, skippering a small boat in windy conditions successfully gives a lot of self-confidence.

Is there anything that you feel sailing teaches people?
Sailboat racing teaches many great life skills in planning & preparing, communications with your crew & competitors, and looking around you before you make a decision.
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Great boat, a great group, and great fun seems to be the winning combination to a long lasting fleet. Some of these boats are older than their skippers and still going strong, standing up to some of the roughest sailing conditions the seas have to offer.

The Nationals are really an annual family reunion with the 2016 Nationals won by Phil Vandenberg on Maybe. Phil started sailing Santana 22s four years ago thanks to his sailing mentor and two-time National Champ, Ernie Rideout.

Phil decided to join the local Santana 22 fleet due to strong turn outs in Northern California events. He continues because the Santana 22s are “Great boats, easily crewed, and affordable.”

“The regatta was very tight. Past 3 time champ Bob Comstock and Monterey’s Kate Conrad were extremely fast. Our boat was the oldest and the simplest rigged. “Maybe” is wet sailed and fast with a 3 day slime! Kudos to tactician Bob Simpkins and foredeck, Rusty Kingon for their performance.”

Perhaps the biggest secret to class longevity is sharing. That bond that builds between crew is a priceless treasure. How much more amazing is it when you can share it with family and friends? Share your love of sailing with those you love.

Source: Schock Boats