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Cool onshore temperatures, ebbing fog, flooding waters and a gathering sea breeze greeted the 79 teams gathered on San Francisco Bay to contest the final day of racing at the 55th edition of the St. Francis Yacht Club’s annual Rolex Big Boat Series (September 11-15, 2019). Despite a slow start to the regatta, courtesy of higher-than-usual onshore temperatures earlier in the week, today’s longer-form Bay Tour course gave teams a chance to whip their horses around the West Coast’s most competitive racecourse one last time. Better still, the day’s course selection allowed all teams to strut their big-air skills while enjoying a stadium-style finish in front of cheering fans ashore on StFYC’s Race Deck.

Given the regatta’s proud history, it’s not surprising that many StFYC members pride themselves on racking up a deep Rolex Big Boat Series resume. “The regatta’s culture has changed as the general culture has evolved,” said Steve Taft, who is celebrating his 45th Rolex Big Boat Series this year by serving as tactician aboard Dave MacEwen’s Santa Cruz 52, Lucky Duck (USA 28729). “Back in the day, there was more tradition than now, but you had more tradition in society back then. It’s about keeping up with the times—it’s not like you’re going back in time 30 years when you come sail this regatta.” For more information, see: https://rolexbigboatseries.com/news/article/fastest-guns-in-the-west-decided-at-the-rolex-big-boat-series

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