A Family Affair — Fiesta Cup, NASS #6 Concludes in Santa Barbara
The sixth event of the North American Sailing Series concluded this past weekend at Santa Barbara Yacht Club, where eight boats competed across seven races.
Claiming the overall victory was Oliver Stokke aboard Mocos. Stokke and his crew topped the standings in a strong performance that also marked a reunion of teammates from the 2024 U.S. National Championship. Ryan Satterberg, Blake Behrens, Ryan Eastwood, and Gabe Bazan reunited after sailing together last year, when Satterberg was at the helm, making this weekend's win a rewarding return for the team.
Kathrin Wagner, sailing Tinka, finished second overall, while Kent Pierce and Eric Stokke completed the podium in third place. Gus Duncan finished fourth, and Sally Lang, co-owner of her boat with Don McIlraith, rounded out the top five in fifth.
One of the weekend's highlights was a true family affair. Oliver Stokke battled on the racecourse against his father, Eric Stokke, while Eric's wife, Kathrin Wagner, competed aboard Tinka. By the end of the regatta, the Stokke-Wagner family claimed the top three positions on the leaderboard—Oliver in first, Kathrin in second, and Eric in third.
The regatta also welcomed several new competitors from Ventura Yacht Club, along with two visiting boats from Richmond Yacht Club, contributing to a competitive and diverse fleet.
Santa Barbara delivered excellent racing conditions throughout the weekend. Day one featured a steady 12–18 knots from the opening race through the end of the day's racing, providing ideal conditions. Day two began with lighter 8–9 knot breezes for Race 5 before a temporary lull and left shift delayed racing. The breeze returned in time for Race 6, starting at 6–7 knots and building to more than 12 knots by the finish. By the start of Race 7, winds had increased to more than 20 knots, providing an exciting and memorable finish to the regatta.
The North American Sailing Series now turns its attention to next month's National Championship in Traverse City, where a strong fleet of returning veterans and new challengers from across North America will compete to close out another outstanding season.
Photos by Sharon Green / Ultimate Sailing for USM24CA.