This weekend, an estimated 250 rowers and paddlers of all skill levels will hit the water in a race against the waves during the 25th annual Peninsula YMCA Bay to Bay Regatta.
Perhaps the most unique aspect of this event is that the event is open to any form of human-powered watercraft. With 47 categories, participants can find their niche. Although kayaks and paddleboards are the most common craft in the regatta, all kinds of human-powered boats show up. One brave man completed the 20-mile race in a small rowboat.
“It’s a very well-known race in California,” said YMCA Community Director Greg Erickson. “Mostly because people can use any form of craft. It becomes great practice for many other events that only allow a single type.”
With two races on Saturday, June 7, the entrants will be able to choose their level of intensity and excitement. A shorter five-mile race will be begin on Shelter Island at Sandy Beach, while the longer 20-mile event will start on Santa Clara Point in Mission Bay.
Both courses end at the Coronado Tidelands Park Beach Landing, with activities that include lunch, a silent auction, raffle giveaways, water industry vendors, entertainment and awards for the winners in each category.
All proceeds from the event will go toward the youth swim programs and other aquatic-based activities at the Peninsula YMCA.
“Most organizations seem to gravitate toward golf tournaments or road runs,” said Erickson. “But this is such a unique and fun event for our community that we love hosting it every year.
While the longer race traditionally attracts a higher-caliber of racer, there is room for all skill levels, especially with so many categories. The five-mile course is the real wild card and it is not uncommon to see first-timers placing at the finish line.
“Regardless of your skill level, five miles on water with two people in a kayak is not tough, maybe an hour and a half,” said Erickson. “Anybody can jump into the five-mile race and have a shot.”
It takes a lot of time, money and energy to organize and promote and event of this size and scope. The YMCA enlists the help of Explore Offshore to patrol the course in nine powerboats (many of the same safety crew that handled the recent Red Bull Air Race). The title sponsor for the event is Roel Construction, whose corporate offices are in San Diego.
“They (Roel) have been so great with marketing and their employees providing the post-race food as well as the monetary sponsorship,” said Erickson. “They have used their contacts to help us in so many ways, so much involvement. They have taken our cause to heart.”
It is not too late to register since e-mailed or faxed registration remains open until Friday. Day-of-race registration will take place at the San Diego Sailing Center on Santa Clara Point in Mission Bay.
For more information, call (619) 226-8888, visit www.peninsula.-ymca.org, fax (619) 226-1675, or e-mail [email protected].