Mastery at Sea: San Diego Yacht Club Conquers the 2025 Women's Winter Invitational Regatta

The wave-swept battleground of the ocean emerged victorious in the spectacular 2025 Women’s Winter Invitational Regatta, the crown firmly grasped by San Diego Yacht Club (SDYC). Revelries set sail with a convivial reception on February 14, where contenders indulged in refreshments by Mount Gay Rum, Maui Brewing and Bivouac Ciders, all esteemed collaborators with the SDYC. Following a short pause, the weekend’s spirited races were inaugurated. The course, adorned with large inflatable pink flamingos, beckoned to 24 valiant teams. They manoeuvred in fleets of four for each race start, circulating J/22’s ingeniously to maintain a balanced playing field. Efficient assistance by the dockside crew enabled the swift execution of an astonishing 45 races on the first day. The race committee under the competent guidance of Becky Ashburn ensured minimal delays. Meanwhile, the protest committee under Kim Kymlicka’s supervision attended to eight hearings, ensuring disruptions did not hamper the sailors’ course back to the water. Following the intensive first day, the flamingos had adopted mirthful hats and leis, the mimosa bar was depleted and teams from San Diego, Bristol, and New York rose to the lead, attaining the lowest average points. Shoreside postponement on the second race day meant an encore of karaoke and commentator Craig Leweck’s witticisms. Respite came in the form of the wind veering on, and 20 more races were accomplished in the opening series. The top 12 teams duked it out in the gold/silver fleets for a gripping three-race final. As the spectator section burgeoned, Santa Barbara Yacht Club, despite initiating the Petite Finals from the final position and notwithstanding a dip in the bay by their trimmer the previous day, accomplished a resounding win in the first two races, thus clinching the top spot in the Silver Fleet.