Promoting match racing with chocolate

Top ranked US match racing skipper Nicole Breault hosted the 2023 Bunny Bash Match Race on April 8 in San Francisco, CA. Eight teams participated in this developmental opportunity for sailors relatively new to match racing.

Gray skies and chilly but calm air meant the forecasted westerly would get a slow start in reaching the racecourse. The sailors, eager to put their match racing knowledge to the test, patiently waited ashore. Then, like magic, the sun came out and stunning conditions appeared by 2:00pm, providing enough time to complete six round robin flights.

Winning the Chocolate Bunnies, Matt Krogstad and his crew – Justin Oberbauer, Matthew Sessions, and Harry O’Reilly – emerged victorious on a tie-breaker over runners-up Nick Dorn and team. Third place went to Michael Rivlin.

“I’m so proud of how all the teams sailed today. Lots of tight races and real match racing moves!” remarked regatta chair Breault. With the support of St. Francis YC, she conceived of the Bunny Bash for sailors relatively new to match racing, many of whom she had recently coached in a 3-week Match Race Clinic Series at StFYC.

There was also a strong contingent of youth sailors who had taken part in the recent BAYS Dave Perry Youth Match Racing Clinic at San Francisco YC. Now in its second year, the one-day grade 5 Bunny Bash serves as a kind of graduation gift for sailors to try their hand in real (but fun) competition.

“The Bunny Bash was such a fun event and perfect for my first match race as a helm,” noted Krogstad. “The result wildly exceeded my expectations going in but my team was phenomenal and taught me a lot. Huge thanks to the St. Francis and everyone involved but especially Nicole Breault for her enthusiastic and patient coaching.”

Details: https://www.matchracingresults.com/2023/stfyc-bunny-bash-match-race/event.php