Story: Wednesday Night Boat Racing at the Santa Cruz Harbor

Way back in the mid 1950's, the local fishermen of Santa Cruz, California decided they needed a harbor to berth their fishing boats. Lots of discussions, politicians showing off, and some great efforts by locals made it happen. This harbor, the last built on the west coast with the help of the Army Corp of Engineers was created by dredging out a lagoon, constructing a jetty, and bringing in the berths. In the mid 70's, some hippie types decided to start building ultra light sailboats...legends like Bill Lee of the Santa Cruz boat line, Ron Moore who built the Moore 24, and George Olson, building the Olson 25, 30 and 40 foot boats. Along the way Bill Lee coined the term "Fast is Fun," setting the stage for a revolution in boat design. Instead of creating a heavy, deep full keeled boat, these men basically built corks with deep fin keels and deep rudders, tall masts, and lighter materials. It didn't take long for these boats to start winning races around the world, and before long, Santa Cruz was on the international sailing map. In the 1980's, two America's Cup syndicates trained on the waters off the harbor because the wind typically blows up to 25 knots on a given summer day, creating sailing conditions that most figured would teach them all they needed to know and experience in the world's sailing arena. Now, the 1000 slip marina has some of the more expensive world famous yachts that compete on an international scale and yachtsmen who are known throughout the world and who compete in every important sailboat race on the planet. Morgan Larson, who grew up in nearby Capitola, learned how to sail in the harbor, and now is a professional sailor competing in the last three America's Cup matches as well as being a former 505 International Champion, and a crew member on Morning Glory among others. Jack Halterman, the crew boss for the brand new STP 63 Rosebud, owned by Roger Sturgeon of Ft Lauderdale, Florida, was onboard when it won the famous Sydney to Hobart race last December and just won the famous Block Island Race in May. So for those of us who are lucky enough to live in the great little area of Santa Cruz and love to sail, it just doesn't get any better. Just don't forget when you come to visit, bring your gloves, sunnies, a jacket and a six pack...you get the ride of your life.