Smythe Takes Sailboarding Lead After First Day

Randy Smythe, a last-minute addition to the field, took the lead after the first day of qualifying in the Hobie 17 U.S. National Championships in La Jolla Saturday.

Smythe, of Huntington Beach, totaled 2.75 points ( 3/4 for first, 2 for second, 3 for third), in four sailboarding races to take the first-day lead. Qualifying for California-based boats continues today.

Smythe, winner of a silver medal in the Tornado Class boating in the 1984 Summer Olympics, leads Jeff Alter, who also has 2.75 points, and Hobie Alter Jr., who has 3.75. Fred Fogarty of San Diego is sixth with 8 points.