LBRW: When You Can’t Shoot, Win a National Championship

June 30, 2016

Ullman Sails Long Beach Race Week is a three-day event that features the West Coast’s top sailors, with over 150 boats competing on three different race courses.

I was completely prepared to shoot and film on the water all three days, but when I showed up Friday morning to grab my (loaner) charter boat it was out of service. On the spot repairs were futile, and the press boat had already left the dock so I was completely out of luck.

Having missed the chance to cover Friday, I was offered an opportunity to sail and film aboard defending Catalina 37 National Champion DH3 Racing’s yacht on Saturday and Sunday.

As it turns out, it was an even better experience than shooting from the sidelines. The team, led by Long Beach Yacht Club commodore Dave Hood, gritted out a two-point victory over rival Alamitos Bay Yacht Club skipper Chuck Clay to win their second consecutive c37 National Title.

Two morals to the story: first, be open-minded and adaptable when planning to shoot because sometimes a last second plan B can turn out to be the better choice. And second — as I’m a sailor — never have blind faith in a powerboat!

I will post the highlight video once it is published.