Citius Is the Only Finisher So Far in Windless Race to Manzanillo

There was no wind in the Gulf of California between Cabo San Lucas and Manzanillo Saturday--or Friday for that matter.

That’s why only 1 of the 29 starters had finished the 1,100-mile San Diego-to-Manzanillo race late Saturday.

Citius, a Santa Cruz-70 under charter to Nick and Bob Frazee of San Diego Yacht Club, drifted across the finish line at 10:53 a.m. Saturday after a day’s run of about 73 miles.

The other IOR Class A boats were still 40 to 50 miles behind Citius at the 9 a.m. roll call.

Two boats have given up the “ghosting” and turned on their engines and headed for Manzanillo. Out of the race were the IOR Class B boat Smaug, and the Performance Handicap Racing Fleet entry Merlin. There was no report from the PHRF yacht Pericus.

Citius’ finish virtually assures her of a handicap victory to go with her line honors (first to finish). Her nearest rivals at the Saturday roll call were two sister-ships, Kathmandu and Blondie, and the Peterson-66 Cheetah, each with 47 miles to go--and no wind.