The 60th edition of the Rolex Big Boat Series concluded this weekend in classic San Francisco Bay conditions, with Drew Freides and his Cape 31 Pacific Yankee clinching victory in the highly competitive ORC B division. Freides' dominant performance saw Pacific Yankee claim six first-place finishes across seven races, securing the top spot in one of the most prestigious regattas on the West Coast.
"We were doing over 20 knots going into the finish on Saturday. It was crazy," said Freides, reflecting on the challenging yet exhilarating conditions. "The Cape 31 is just an awesome boat. It's amazing for the Bay, and the competition was very tough, regardless of the margin we won by."
The competition in the ORC B division was fierce, with Chris Sheehan’s Cape 31 Warrior Won finishing second, continuing a season-long rivalry with Pacific Yankee. Peter Wagner's J/111 Skeleton Key completed the podium in third place. Meanwhile, M2, another well-sailed Cape 31, took fourth place, showcasing the strength of the fleet.
Freides, though a seasoned competitor in the Rolex Big Boat Series, was racing his own boat in the event for the first time. His experience paid off in spades as he navigated through classic San Francisco Bay winds, testing the skills of all competitors.
“The other Cape 31s are very well sailed,” Freides acknowledged. “We’ve been going at it with Warrior Won consistently all summer on the East Coast, and M2 is also extremely competitive. Plus, Peter Wagner and his crew on Skeleton Key did a fantastic job. The level of competition made the victory even more rewarding.”
The Rolex Big Boat Series, hosted by the St. Francis Yacht Club, has long been a hallmark of premier yacht racing, and the 60th edition did not disappoint. Boats from various classes competed under challenging conditions, with ORC class sailors battling it out for top honors and the coveted Rolex timepieces.
ORC B
The ORC B division raced for a Rolex timepiece and the City of San Francisco Perpetual Trophy, which has been contested since 1968 and features one of the original spades from the opening of the Golden Gate Bridge.
1 — Pacific Yankee, Drew Freides
2 — Warrior Won, Chris Sheehan
3 —Skeleton Key, Peter Wagner
Photos - Rolex, Big Boat Series
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