A diverse tradition

Christine Carrillo

The 67th annual Flight of the Lasers returned to the Newport

Harbor Yacht Club Sunday, uniting sailors of all ages in an event

that has become one of the city’s long-standing traditions.

Co-hosting the event with the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce,

the yacht club attracted 64 entries to the race that continues to

draw a large crowd of serious competitors looking to have a good

time.

“A lot of very good sailors were sailing in this event and some

didn’t even make it in the top 10,” said Seymour Beek, event chairman

for the last 10 years. “They come out sort of for fun, but they want

to win.”

During this particular race participants sailed a 7-mile course in

lasers, single-handed, one-design sailboats. Although, lasers are

typically sailed by one person in serious competition, some of the

lasers in this race contained as many as four people truly

characterizing the spirit of the event.

Being a tradition that has changed with the times, the race has

transitioned from the Flood of the Snowbirds, which began in 1936, to

Flight of the Kites and eventually, the current, Flight of the Lasers

in 1974. Throughout, participants in the event have been able to

enjoy the sport of sailing in a more laid back atmosphere.

“We try to stimulate interest by having a lot of fun type

categories,” Beek said.

And many of the participants believe that the 10 different

categories have done just that.

With categories like, First Married Couple, Youngest Girl,

Youngest Boy, Oldest Skipper, Best Costumes, Best Decorated Boat and

First Parent/Child Team, sailors of all ages and skill can vie for a

trophy.

“It’s good for the kids,” said 26-year-old Nathan Dunham, one of

the more serious racers and a sailing coach at the yacht club and

Corona del Mar High School. “It brings out more people that otherwise

wouldn’t sail.”

And brings back people that have been sailing for years.

“I’m not a great sailor, but I have the most fun,” said

85-year-old Roy Woolsey. “It’s a great sport; you get to sit down.”

Woolsey has been a participant in the race since 1991 and has

managed to sweep in the Oldest Skipper category every year since, but

can’t seem to win the whole thing.

“They’re not polite at all in the start,” Woolsey said. “They

won’t give an old man a chance.”

While much of the race is geared toward fun and enjoyment, the

fact remains that it also brings out the competitive spirit.

“I’m very pleased to have finished that well,” said Carter Ford

who has finished in the top five for the past three years. “There are

so many excellent skippers competing in this race.”

With an ongoing willingness of people to conduct the event, a

steady flow of people wanting to participate in it and its constant

ability to change with the times, the event has continued to bring a

variety of people back year after year.

“We have the full spectrum of skill represented from very, very

skilled sailors to people that are just learning,” Beek said.

And no matter what category the participants fall into, they each

walk away from it with a similar feeling.

“It brings out the best in sailing -- camaraderie,” said

61-year-old Carter Ford, the 2001 first place winner. “It’s an

absolutely wonderful tradition in Newport Beach.”

Results of this year’s race were not tallied by press time.

* CHRISTINE CARRILLO is the news assistant. She may be reached at

(949) 574-4298 or by e-mail at [email protected].