Becker Takes First In WORSA Regatta

Ann Becker of Capistrano Bay Yacht Club sailed her J35 to victory and first place overall in the 11th WORSA (Women’s Ocean Racing Sailing Assn.) Regatta held Saturday and Sunday in Newport Beach.

Nearly 100 women aboard 13 boats, ranging in size from 24 feet to 41 feet, competed in the four-race event, which was held in light winds near the Balboa Pier.

Second place went to co-skippers Linda Elias and Cheryl Wiebel of Voyagers Yacht Club in their Olson 30, Jiffy Too. Elias and Wiebel are former three-time overall winners. Third place went to Kathy Pantaosky of Balboa Yacht Club.

In Class B, Ophelia Voda, Long Beach Yacht Club, finished first, and Kathy Adamson, Dana Point Yacht Club, was second. Tying for third were Jane Willet, Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club, and Nan Snody, Los Angeles Yacht Club.

In the non-spinnaker class, Gail Hine, South Shore Yacht Club, finished first and Bonnie Gibson, Wooden Hull Owners’ Assn., was second.

The women-only regatta is the biggest event of the year for the big-boat sailors, according to WORSA president Shannon Aikman. Races were hosted jointly by four Orange County yacht clubs.