Clay slays Cal 20 Class Championship

Chuck Clay and Pat McCormick

Class veterans Chuck Clay and crew Pat McCormick from Long Beach, CA overcame their bridesmaid 2nd place status from 2016 and 2017 to win the 2019 Cal 20 Class Championship. Sailing took place in the Pacific Ocean off the Hermosa Beach pier in 5 to 12 knots on August 9-11 in Redondo Beach, CA

A total of 24 Cal 20s raced in two separate fleet including Gold (20 boats) and Bronze (4 boats) fleets.

The Gold Fleet leaderboard included several long time Cal 20 sailors including second place finisher Jeff Ives, third place finisher Freddie Stevens, fourth place finisher Steven George, and fifth place finisher Mike Wood. Six different boats captured first place finishes during the seven race series with two of the first place finishes going to the ever-consistent team of Clay and McCormick.

Good starts, playing the light air shifts, and managing the current at the weather mark were paramount for success amid the typical close tactical competition seen in Cal 20 racing.

Three time prior Class Champions Keith Ives and Chuck Stevens suffered two mid fleet finishes and retired from the final race in order to pay their respects to So. Cal. sailor Jim Lincoln who passed away in Hawaii shortly after the Transpac race.

Class newcomer Mike Corzine sailing with Long Beach veteran tactician Randy Smith were in a strong fourth place finish after day two, but also packed up their boat for the celebration of life for Jim Lincoln on August 11.

Mike Corzine and Jim Lincoln were dear friends and sailed together and we would like to think that Jim was smiling on Mike during their time on the water of the Cal 20 Class Championships.

Friends and family are a key component of the longevity of the Cal 20 Class as several teams are comprised of family members and close friends who enjoy the comradery of affordable one-design sailing.

Race details – Results

Source: Todd Smith