Newport Harbor Takes Yacht Club Lead After Four Races

Scott Mason of Newport Harbor Yacht Club took advantage of a faster boat and increasing winds Friday to move the host club into first place in the Yacht Club Challenge Cup with finishes of 2-1.

After four races in the six-race series, NHYC has 10.75 points to 13.5 for Houston Yacht Club.

Houston, skippered by Clark Thompson Jr., who won the first two races Thursday, had finishes of 8-4 Friday, dropping to second place. San Diego Yacht Club’s Bruce Nelson had finishes of 3-2 to take over third place with 19 points.

Winds for Friday’s races were in the 10- to 14-knot range. The regatta continues with two races today. Skippers can throw out their worst race for the final scoring.

Eleven clubs from throughout the United States are competing in the regatta to determine the “best in the U.S.” Eight-man crews are sailing New York-36 sloops.