An enormous storm edged it's way to the Southern California coast on Sunday, January 27th and was expected to wash out the Jan Crabb Regatta, but strangely, a large pocket of partly sunny skies and moderate breezes covered over Dana Point during the morning and early afternoon hours, enabling the five die-hard junior sailors who ignored the forecast to rig their boats and complete three races in crisp, spring like conditions.

Brian Bolton and Danielle Sams turned "A" Class into a defacto match race, with Danielle tacking brilliantly on the shifty breezes upwind and Brian employing stellar downwind tactics, which made for incredibly exciting and close races. Tied after two races, Danielle dialed in her bright yellow Sabot in race three and found herself well out in front at the windward mark, where she let out her main and breezed to her second bullet and the first place trophy! Congratulations Danielle!

Cameron Baxter, Kyle Kuether and Nick Sams made up an abbreviated "B" Class, and for three kids who are accustomed to sailing in C fleet, these guys stepped up and made it a really exciting and competitive afternoon! Cameron Baxter, who has been working hard in the off season, drove his new boat to three bullets and the 1st place trophy, with Kyle Kuether, challenging Cameron numerous times, taking 2nd place and Nick Sams sailing with determination and staying very close claiming the bronze!

Congratulations to all the sailors and HUGE THANKS to all the volunteers who worked Race Committee and safety boats, including Fred Voss, Mike Ward, Clark Baxter, Barbara Merriman, Dylan Del Prado (and friend Case) and David Bolton who provided the excellent photos of the first Junior Regatta of 2008.