Long Beach to Cabo San Lucas yacht race begins Saturday

If you're going to be in the Long Beach area Saturday, you might want to check out the noon start of the Long Beach to Cabo San Lucas International Yacht Race.

Eight of the fastest monohulls on the West Coast will begin from just beyond the Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier, on an 800-nautical-mile dash to the resort city at Baja California's tip.

Competitors are Doug Baker’s Andrews 80, Magnitude 80; Per Peterson’s Andrews 70, Alchemy; Bob Lane’s Andrews 63, Medicine Man; Peter Tong’s Santa Cruz 70, OEX; Ed McDowell’s Santa Cruz 70, Grand Illusion; Brack Duker’s Santa Cruz 70, Holua; Kevin Flanigan’s Fox 44, Ocelot; and Chris Slagerman’s Peterson 68, Cheetah.

Magnitude 80 is rated the fastest maxi-sled in the fleet and last year missed breaking the race record by 57 minutes. The record -- 3 days, 3 hours, 46 minutes, 24 seconds -- was set by the Santa Cruz 70 Blondie in 1985.

"But who’s keeping track?" Baker said. "We want to see what the weather will do and get there fast."

Flanigan’s Ocelot, Portland, Ore., a very quick boat in its own right, has the slowest rating in the race and its own perspective and plan. Skipper Greg Nelson explains, "We’re looking forward to warm-weather sailing and nipping on the heels of the bigger boats."

Missing from this year's race is the 2007 winner on corrected handicap time, Peligroso, whose co-owner Mike Campbell recently died after a battle with cancer.

Peligroso will make a ceremonial start five minutes before the official start time, in tribute and appreciation to Campbell and his contributions to the sport.

Competitors should start finishing Tuesday afternoon or evening. For tracking and position reports during the race, visit iBoattrack website and click on the "2008 Long Beach to Cabo San Lucas Race" link on the right side of the page.

--Pete Thomas

Photo: Doug Baker's Magnitude 80 will be gunning for a record beginning Saturday in the Long Beach to Cabo San Lucas International Yacht Race. Credit: Rick Roberts