What makes a day at the pond special? Competitive sailing, a beautiful setting, and… perhaps most of all, the people.
In this episode of San Diego Argonauts Radio, Commodore Jess Atkinson takes listeners pondside at the Soling 50 National Class Championship Regatta, sharing highlights from the racing and conversations with the sailors, volunteers, and spectators who make our club such a welcoming community.
Also available on Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pondside-at-the-soling-50-national-class-championship/id1874110517?i=1000789506650
Championship Racing at Mission Bay
Serving as Principal Race Officer, Jess helped oversee 26 races with a nine-boat fleet, supported by good breeze, a full pond, and plenty of camaraderie. Three visiting sailors from (North Bay Radio Sailing in San Rafael: Jim Wondolleck, Gene Harris, and George Pedrick) made the trip south, bringing a third of the fleet.
Congratulations to the top three finishers:
- 1st: Chris Staiger, earning his fifth Soling 50 national championship
- 2nd: George Pedrick
- 3rd: Ty Beach
Jess also recognizes the people who made the event possible: class secretary Ben Reeve, who handled the organizing; Kelly McCormick, who assisted with race management and scoring; Jason Brooks and Gil Jansky, who helped monitor the racing; and Pat Nevitt and Steve Ross, who filmed the action.
Voices from the Pond
Between races, Jess turns the microphone toward the shore for a few informal conversations.
Longtime member Kim Robbins shares the spectator’s perspective, complete with friendly commentary from the pond’s “peanut gallery.” Bob Williams, known for his much-appreciated “pond dogs,” and other familiar faces weigh in on the pleasures of good racing, good company, and a shady spot to watch it all.
New member Charman French talks about getting her DF95, Mermaid, assembled and sailing with help from fellow Argonauts. Her story is a wonderful reminder of how much a welcoming club can help someone get started, from rigging and tuning to building confidence on the water.
More Club News
The episode also includes a recap of recent ODOM and Soling 50 points racing, a visit from local police officers who tried their hands at radio sailing, and an introduction to the club’s growing MiniMax school STEM initiative, led by Kerim Baran and Jeff Sparksworthy.
Whether you come to race, learn, volunteer, or simply enjoy the view, there’s a place for you at the pond.
Listen to “Pondside at the Soling 50 National Class Championship Regatta” on Spotify.
See you at the pond!