Backus Sisters Lead Sailing Race

Skipper Heidi Backus of Vermillion, Ohio, and her crew have a one-point lead after seven of 10 races in the Adam’s Cup, the U.S. Women’s Sailing Championships off San Diego Bay.

The Backus crew consists of Heidi and her three sisters, Amy, Susan and Gretchen, who teamed to win the event in 1982 and 1983. The race has been run since 1924.

All teams are using J-24 sailboats supplied by host San Diego Yacht Club.

The Backus sisters lead a crew skippered by Carol Buchan of Seattle, which has 19.5 points. Skipper Catherine Chrisman of Charleston, S.C., and her crew are in third with 20.75 points. In fourth is a crew skippered by Carol Robinson of Marina del Rey, which has 35.75 points.

The remaining three races will be today beginning at 11 a.m. The sailboats leave the SDYC dock at 9.