Pac52: Frank Slootman's INVISIBLE HAND takes first race today in Newport Beach

NEWPORT HARBOR YACHT CLUB'S INAUGURAL One Design Offshore Championship is underway this afternoon off Newport Beach, CA. Frank Slootman's INVISIBLE HAND won the first of two races planned for today. FOX was 2nd, BADPAK third and RIO fourth. The courses are the typical two-lap windward-leewards with 1.4nm legs. Lightish air today, 7 knots from the 180-195º. Tomorrow the Pac52s will be joined by J/70s and J/120s.

The start of today's Race 2 for the Pac52 Class in the inaugural One Design Offshore Championship hosted by Newport Harbor YC. J/70s and J/120s join in the fun tomorrow. Racing concludes Sunday. From left, BADPAK, FOX, INVISIBLE HAND and RIO. HAND won the first race, well, handily. Photo: Paul Blank