In the 50+ year history of SBYSF, there are stand out examples of sailors competing at very high levels and evolving into major sailing competitors later in life. SBYSF and SBYC have a long history of supporting world class sailing campaigns:
Eric Arendt - 1990 World Competition contender in J24s
Alex Bernal & Ted White - U.S. Team 29er World Championships
Kevin Connelly - Three-time National Champion Olson 30s, established a sail-making company in Santa Barbara for 30 years
Steve Curran - Olympic Trials contender 1968
Leslie Deardorff - J24 World Championship 1st place 1989
Leslie Deardorff - Rolex International Women's Keelboat Championship; 9th place 1989
Leslie Deardorff - Olympic Classes Regatta 470, Top Women 1990 (with Jackie Golison)
Leslie Deardorff - Olympic Trials contender 1992
Scott Deardorff - U.S. Men's Mallory Cup National Champion 1990
Bill Gerard - Three-time Star Lipton Cup Winner 1970, 1980, 1997
Larry Harteck - Won the World Championship NACRA Catamaran Class 1995
Evan Heffernen – Pursuing Olympics in 2024 for Kite Boarding
Gary Weisman - One of the most accomplished big boat sailors in the world
Today SBYSF sailors collectively compete in literally every California regatta and clinic offered. This includes all the Optimist series and regattas, all the High School regattas, SCYYRA regattas, Junior Olympics, and class regattas (e.g., Laser/ILCA/420).
SBYSF sailors are often in top 10 positions across Optimists, Lasers, CFJ’s, 29ers, 420’s and J/70 if not on the podium. Below is a list of our best performances in the more prestigious events offered to youth sailors over the last 10+ years.