Smyth, Alter Lead Sailing Qualifiers

Randy Smyth of Huntington Beach and Hobie Alter Jr. of San Juan Capistrano each scored 3.50 points Sunday to lead the 36 California qualifiers for the Hobie 17 U.S. National Sailing Championships at La Jolla Shores.

Smyth and Alter outdistanced Wayne Schafer, Jeff Alter and Bob Seaman, who finished in a tie for third with scores of 6.75. Fred Fogarty, who finished eighth with 16 points, was the top San Diego qualifier. The championship round starts Wednesday.

Today and Tuesday, sailors of boats not based in California will attempt to qualify.