Pac52 Cup: Karl Kwok's BEAU GESTE dominates (again) on Day 1, in glorious conditions on SF Bay F
SAN FRANCISCO – In only the second year of the West Coast's new Pac52 Class, six yachts are racing in the fifth and final regatta of the season, hosted by St Francis Yacht Club on the reliably windy and iconically beautiful San Francisco Bay. Joining the Class for the first time, and the five yachts that raced two weeks ago in the StFYC's Rolex Big Boat Series, is Tony Langley's (GBR) GLADIATOR representing the Royal Thames Yacht Club.
Having won all seven races in the RBBS two weeks ago, Karl Kwok's BEAU GESTE, representing the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, kept to their winning ways Friday with three bullets. Tactician Gavin Brady (NZL) continues to keep BEAU GESTE going in the right direction and often going a click or two faster than the competition.
In the battle for the Pac52 season championship, Tom Holthus (USA, San Diego Yacht Club) and his BADPAK team continue to battle it out with their nemesis and closest rival in the 2017 standings, Frank Slootman's (USA, San Francisco, Tahoe Yacht Club) INVISIBLE HAND. Team BADPAK finished the day in second overall, one point ahead of INVISIBLE HAND.
Below are some spectacular photos from Friday's three races in 20-30 knots, courtesy of our good friend and fellow StFYC member Chris Ray. More of CRay's photos at his SmugMug site here.
