Gaudio tops locals at nationals

NEWPORT HARBOR ? Newport Beach resident Mark Gaudio finished first in the Seniors Class (age 18 and older) to highlight locals competing in the 60th International Naples Sabot Assn. Senior and Masters Nationals Regatta, hosted by the Balboa Yacht Club earlier this month.

Gaudio won three races held over two days. Though 40, which made him eligible for the Masters Class (40 and older), Gaudio, a member of the Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club, chose to sail against younger competitors.

Corona del Mar resident Paul Blank, representing the Balboa Yacht Club, finished third among 25 competitors in the Masters Class.

Molly Lynch of Corona del Mar, another Balboa Yacht Club member, was eighth in the Masters Class.

Representatives of 11 yacht clubs from San Diego to Long Beach competed in the boats that are approximately eight feet long and shaped similar to a bathtub.

In addition to the Seniors and Masters divisions, there was a Grand Masters age group (65 and older).

The Regatta will be held next year at Mission Bay Yacht Club in San Diego.