With a three-hour-long Bay Tour race as the final test for competitors, the 61st edition of the Rolex Big Boat Series hosted by St. Francis Yacht Club came to a stunning close on Sunday, September 14. The skippers at the top of the podium in the J/105 and ORC B classes were awarded coveted Rolex Submariner Dates. Peter Wagner’s J/111 Skeleton Key was the victor in the ORC B division. Going into the final day of racing, leaders in both Rolex contending classes were ahead by five points over the nearest competitor, however that differential did not guarantee a win for either yacht before the last race. The heightened stakes made for striking competition on the water, with all fleets crossing the finish line in style in front of the StFYC Clubhouse. The ORC B division has seen Cape 31s dominate the podium for the past two years, but Wagner sailed his J/111 to its full potential to secure the Rolex, as well as the ORC B Pacific Coast Championship. “Our team has sailed in San Francisco for many years, so the big breeze is very familiar,” Wagner said. “Teams spend a lot of time preparing for RBBS, making it the featured event of the season. It really brings out the best in people and is just a great week.”
ORC B
Competing for a Rolex Submariner Date, as well as the City of San Francisco Perpetual Trophy.
1 — Skeleton Key, Peter Wagner (J/111)
2 — Sitella, Ian Hill (Cape 31)
3 — M2, Marc McMorris (Cape 31)
The first-place winner of each ORC division also won the ORC Pacific Coast Championship. The Storm Trysail Club Team Trophy went to the best scoring three-boat team, with one boat from an ORC class, one from a one-design class and one from any other class. This year’s winning team “Shadow Armada,” was comprised of J/111 Skeleton Key, J/105 Blackhawk and J/88 Ravenette.