.png)
As the fog burned off over San Francisco Bay, and the docks of St. Francis Yacht Club began to buzz with activity, a sense of joyful nostalgia was palpable at the first day of racing at the 60th Edition of the Rolex Big Boat Series on Thursday. It seems that almost everyone in the sailing world has fond memories of the West Coast’s premier regatta that they are happy to share amongst family and friends—adding to the history and prestige of the event.
The historic theme of this year’s Series is heightened by the entrants in the Classics fleet. Three yachts—Brigadoon, Hurrica V and Mayan—are competing for this year’s Classics Cup, first added to the regatta in 2019. These stunning wooden vessels were all built prior to 1955 and embody the heritage of the sport of sailing, harkening back to races past.
“The original race was made up entirely of boats like this,” said Mark Sanders, owner of Hurrica V, who is sailing in his fourth RBBS. He noted that the inclusion of a Classics fleet makes it so the races are as much for the spectators on the StFYC Race Deck as they are for the competing sailors.
Brigadoon, the inaugural winner of the Classics Cup, has a crew led by father-daughter duo and StFYC Members Lindsay Klaus and Staff Commodore Terry Klaus. Lindsay grew up sailing the yacht around the Bay and up to Tinsley Island every summer, and now drives when they race in Rolex Big Boat Series.
Mayan also features a crew of StFYC families, in addition to owners Staff Commodore Beau and Stacey Vrolyk. Chris “Lew” Lewis will be joined on deck with two of his daughters. “It feels like the Wizard of Oz—there’s no place like home,” Lewis said. “I am absolutely thrilled to sail abord this beautiful yacht, alongside my daughters, in this amazing regatta at my home club.”
Both Brigadoon and Hurrica V turned 100 this year—a historic milestone elevating the sense of sentimentality in this year’s event.
The Classics fleet starts their races each day of the RBBS at 1300. Come watch the action and join in on the celebration on the Race Deck at the St. Francis Yacht Club today through Sunday!
