The Dutch Shoe Marathon has always been the anticipated race of the summer. It invites hundreds of juniors and adults to more than just a regatta. It celebrates tradition, fosters generational sailing, and promotes the future of the sport we all love. This year, San Diego Yacht Club and Coronado Yacht Club co-hosted the event with even more pride while looking back over 50 years of the Dutch Shoe Marathon.

The 50th anniversary of the race makes it even more special to win. Tyler Sinks in the Senior Fleet was the overall winner of the regatta. ”I thought my window for winning the Dutch Shoe had closed twenty-five years ago,” Sinks joked. Sinks grew up in SDYC’s Junior Sailing program and continues to be a role model for our juniors.

Congratulations to the first Junior finisher, MBYC’s Loki Barrett, in the A fleet. First place in the B fleet goes to BCYC’s Abel Berge, and the C fleet goes to SDYC’s Emmanuel Smith.

Every year, there are several unique trophies handed out at the Awards Ceremony, like First to Capsize and First to the Weather Mark. The Dutch Shoe was established in the ’70s, so this year, co-chairs Julie and David Servais were awarded the “Best Dressed ’70s Sailor.” Congratulations go to C fleet’s Chloe Schuh!

The Dutch Shoe Marathon started at SDYC in La Playa and finished at CYC in Glorietta Bay. The wind was light and patchy between 4-8 knots with lots of commercial traffic needing to pass through the fleet as they traversed the bay — a frustrating, yet challenging aspect of the regatta that tests the skills of our young sailors!

As over 160 boats crossed under the Coronado Bridge and into Glorietta Bay, spectator boats honked and roared with excitement. Those who don’t race enjoy the rainbow of Sabots flocking the Bay. Post-racing, competitors and families enjoyed Coronado Yacht Club at a barbecue, awards, and ‘70s music.

San Diego Yacht Club was thrilled to see such a great turnout at this legacy flagship Junior event. The Club plans to host the next 50 Dutch Shoe Marathons, so go ahead and save the date for 2073’s 100th anniversary!