Fiesta Cup, NASS #8 Concludes in Santa Barbara
The eighth event of the North American Sailing Series wrapped up this past weekend at Santa Barbara Yacht Club, with eight boats competing over seven races.
Taking top honors was Oliver Stokke, sailing aboard USA 856 Mocos. The young Stokke and team finished the event in the top spot. The winning crew marked something of a reunion from the 2024 US Nationals, with Ryan Satterberg and Blake Behrens along with additional crew members Ryan Eastwood and Gabe Bazan. They previously sailed together in 2024, when Satterberg was at the helm, making this weekend's victory a rewarding return for the team.
Finishing second overall was Kathrin Wagner aboard Tinka, continuing the strong performances of one of the fleet's best-known all-women teams. Kent Pierce and Eric Stokke rounded out the podium in third. Gus Duncan finished fourth, followed by Sally Lang, co-owning her boat with Don McIlraith, in fifth.
The event also welcomed several new faces from Ventura Yacht Club, along with two traveling boats from Richmond Yacht Club, adding to a competitive and diverse fleet.
Santa Barbara delivered classic summertime racing conditions. While the breeze was lighter than the venue's typical afternoon sea breeze, it remained steady enough to complete all seven scheduled races. Despite the lighter air, the race committee kept the regatta on schedule and successfully completed the full series.
The North American Sailing Series now moves on to the National Championship next month in Traverse City, where a strong field of competitors—featuring both new and familiar faces from across North America—will be looking to cap off another outstanding season.
Photos by Sharon Green / Ultimate Sailing for USM24CA