Fleet Captain’s Message,
Welcome to the Long Beach section of the National Website. The Long Beach fleet possesses a long and glorious history within the Cal 25 community. At one point in the recent past there were several Cal 25 fleets along the west coast. Now the Long Beach fleet is the sole remaining one. Our neighbors in San Diego, Newport, San Pedro and Marina Del Rey fleet have long since left us and hopefully someday will see their way to coming back. In the interim we’ll do our best to maintain the legacy.
Due to the fabulous weather here in Southern California we are able to maintain a year round racing schedule. We compete in pretty much every format; windward/leeward, around the buoys and distance. Recently a Cal 25, skippered by Don Albrecht of Newport Beach, took overall honors in the annual Newport to Ensenada race. No small feat considering the hundreds of competitors. Our annual race to Catalina Island is always a big event among local sailors. Wednesday evening racing affords everyone the opportunity to race in a slightly subdued competitive manner (Not much-just slightly). This year the Wet Wednesday racing begins on May 4th and goes through the summer concluding just before Labor Day. The Cal 25 Regionals are open to all owners and will take place on July 16th & 17th, 2011. Long Beach Yacht Club will host the event.
In addition to the racing aspects of Fleet V we also hold some enjoyable and well attended social gatherings. Our annual dock party and Awards dinner are highlight events wherein you’re assured to have a good time in the company of fellow sailors.
Some exciting things are happening in the world of Cal 25. The four remaining fleets have successfully adopted a uniform set of National Rules. They have agreed to form a National Organization to ensure the integrity of the Rules as well as promote the maintenance and growth of our beloved boats. The Cal 25 still represents (and has for over fifty years) the highest level of class sailboat racing anywhere and does so within the budget of just about anyone.
If you own a Cal 25 and want to get involved then by all means come on out and give us a try.
Art Melendres, Fleet Captain