Camellia Cup to set sail for its 55th year on Folsom Lake

It's a tradition that has weathered more than five decades, survived its share of drought years and continues to be an event of grand stature on the waters off of Granite Bay and Folsom. It's the annual Camellia Cup regatta and it is ready to set sail again next weekend, April 23 and 24. Celebrating its 55th year, the Camellia Cup marks the official start of boating season in the Sacramento Valley. The latest version of this event should be a great year with Folsom Lake still at an level that is near average this time of year, just in time for the famed competition that routinely brings some 50 sailing vessels upon the water and is a joy to watch from the shorelines all day long. Hosted by the Folsom Lake Yacht Club (FLYC), the event is a colorful spectacle that provides opportunities for vivid photography and videography as competing sloops hoist multicolored spinnakers on downwind runs throughout the day. This Folsom event is unique in the way of regattas compared to other competitions. Not only do sailors compete in various classes of boats but they go head-to-head for the coveted Camellia Cup Championship title as well as the honor of being Sacramento Valley's best sailor. The two-day affair traditionally consists of five total races, with three events slated for Saturday and two on Sunday. Competitors will set sail from Browns Ravine Marina, which is on the east side of Folsom Lake, and travel a course that will make the spectacle visible from various parts of the shorelines. Before the events begin, sailors check in for the event as early as 5 a.m. on sailing day and there is a routine skippers prior to the official start of the event that takes place from 10:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. The start of the race and throughout the day, plenty of viewing and photo opportunities become available as Folsom's blue waters are decorated with a fleet of vessels that are visible from the shores of Folsom and Granite Bay throughout the afternoon. One of the best viewing areas for spectators will be at the picnic area above Hobie Cove, which is accessible by entering Brown's Ravine. However, the many vessels will be visible from areas of Granite Bay, Beals Point and others over the two-day stint. Sailboat classes competing in the regatta vary from eight to 25 feet, including Banshees, Lasers, Lido 14s, Thistles, Daysailers, Santana 20s, Catalina 22s, Capri 22s and 25s, Cal 22s and 250s, Wavelength 24s, and various types of sport and multihull boats. Model sailboats from the Sacramento Model Yacht Club will compete separately. Eight-foot-long J class boats will sail near Hobie Cove on Saturday and Sunday. This will be a Region 6 Class Championship for the J Class boats, the largest class in the American Model Yachting Association and a sight to see. Last year, sailing on very low waters, Bend, Oregon's Bruce Edwards sailed his way to take home the perpetual Camellia Cup trophy. "For sailors in the Sacramento area, this is the start of the sailing season," said John Poimiroo of the Folsom Lake Yacht Club. "At this event, there are some really experienced competitors. It is a great way to improve your sailing ability and it is great for people who love sailing." Historically, as many as 350 vessels have participated in the Camellia Cup. The oldest sailor to win the event was 86 years old in 2013. The youngest winner was 17 in 2008. To participate in the annual Camellia Cup, sailors can learn all the rules, entry fees and specifics at the yacht club's official website at www.flyc.org. There is no charge to spectate at the event, with the exception of standard entry fee into the various state parks to access the shorelines.