Newport Harbor Sailing Foundation: Sailor Stories

Olivia Norton at the 2024 I420 Pacific Coast Championships

Results

Thank you again for supporting my sailing. On February 3rd and 4th, I got the opportunity to sail in the I 420 Pacific Coast Championships in Tiburon, CA. I sailed with Conrad Cook, and this was our first International 420 Regatta.  I have sailed for a couple years in Club 420's, and we only had 4 days to train in the I420, but made the most of it. We flew up and sailed in very difficult conditions on Saturday. The day started with almost no breeze, and when a light breeze finally came up, it was very shifty with 90 degree plus shifts. Toward the end of the day, the wind came up more and I was able to get on the trapeze upwind and on the reach legs. The Tiburon location also had very strong currents in certain portions of the course, and we learned the hard way about sailing too close to shore along the point during an incoming tide. A strong storm arrived Saturday night, and unfortunately racing was cancelled Sunday due to 30 knot winds, and big swells rolling into San Francisco bay. Our flights were cancelled, so my Dad drove us all home as he had towed the boats up from Newport.  

We did not finish as well as we expected, but it was a great experience, and I appreciate all of the Foundation's help. We are going to keep training locally before the next Regatta. Thank you again!

I420 Pacific Coast Championships
Tiburon, CA