Local sailors shine in regatta

NEWPORT BEACH — Michael Madigan and Tyler Macdonald, representing the Newport Harbor Yacht Club, finished seventh and ninth overall, respectively, to highlight local boys competing in the Junior Sabot National Regatta, completed Thursday off Newport Beach.

Madigan, 13, won two races in the championship series, more than any competitor, and missed fourth place overall by two points.

Caitlyn Ybarra, sailing for Balboa Yacht Club, took home a perpetual trophy for being the top girl in the regatta. She placed 13th overall.

Other local sailors who competed and took home trophies included: Jimmy Madigan (NHYC) fifth in the Silver Flight; Seneca Jakosky (NHYC) fourth in the Bronze Flight; Francesca Cappellini (LIYC), fifth in the Bronze Flight; Derek Pickell (BCYC), third in Iron Flight; Charlie Welsh (NHYC) fourth in the Iron Flight; and Ian Maclean (BYC), fifth in the Iron Flight.

The regatta was hosted by the Balboa Bay Fleet which includes area yacht clubs, Bahia Corinthian, Balboa, Balboa Island, Lido Island and Newport Harbor.

Organizers reported a record number of sailors for this 61st annual event. The first Naples Sabot was built in Long Beach in the 1940s and has become the primary boat for kids learning to sail in Southern California.

Monday was a qualifying day for sailors who had not placed in the top 60 boats in the 2006 Nationals. After completing five races on Tuesday, the sailors were placed in four color flights: Gold, Silver, Bronze and Iron to sail the Championship series on Wednesday and Thursday.

Jake LaDow, 14, of San Diego successfully defended his 2006 title to be crowned the 2007 champion.

— From staff reports