The 60th edition of the Rolex Big Boat Series took place at the St. Francis Yacht Club from September 12 to 15th and it was as thrilling and challenging an event as ever. For the second year, Modern Sailing was represented in the J/105 division by Chao Pescao, with its all-member crew, composed of owner/driver Paolo Juvara, main trimmer Michael Graves, jib and spinnaker trimmer Tom Steinbach, pit Rebekah Moses, with Nat Coghlan, Fabrizzio Bulacia Padilla and Pablo Vergara rotating between mast and bow.
For this crew, the event marked the end of a great season. Competing in the J/105 class, one of the most competitive and tactically demanding fleets in the event, the team saw themselves pushed to their limits — both mentally and physically. This year, the crew rose to the occasion, consistently staying close to the top of the fleet, a marked improvement compared to last year.
Chao Pescao flying the spinnaker at 17 knots of speed in 33 knots of wind on Saturday, September 14.
The J/105 Class: Where Skill Meets Strategy
The J/105 class is notorious for its competitiveness. With one-design boats, the playing field is level, and success is measured by the crew's tactical decisions, teamwork, and split-second reactions. Unlike in other classes where advanced technology or boat modifications can give a team an edge, the J/105 class strips it all down to the fundamentals. That makes every maneuver, every tack, and every decision on the water critical. For Team Chao Pescao, this year’s Rolex Big Boat Series was no exception, as they contended with strong currents, unpredictable winds, and rival crews at the top of their game.
The races are grueling, with shifts in wind and currents around San Francisco Bay demanding quick adaptability and a deep understanding of the local conditions. The weather this year was especially challenging, with wind gusts peaking over 30 knots on some days, making for high-octane, white-knuckle racing. The tight quarters of the J/105 fleet meant the margin for error was razor-thin and Chao Pescao experienced its fair share of drama, with penalties, near collisions, and equipment failures.
A Year of Growth
Compared to their performance in last year’s Rolex Big Boat Series, Team Chao Pescao demonstrated remarkable improvement. Last year was a learning experience for the team, where they found themselves outpaced at times by more experienced competitors. But this year, things were different and the crew of Chao Pescao consistently competed with the pack and finished in stronger positions throughout the regatta.
Much of this progression can be attributed to the effort of the crew throughout the season, with many days of practice focused on upwind sailing — a weakness last year turned into a strength — as well as teamwork and discipline in the maneuvers.
Learning from the Best: The Social Aspect
As much as the Rolex Big Boat Series is a high-stakes competition, it’s also a social event that fosters community and learning. Team Chao Pescao took full advantage of the opportunity to engage with other crews and competitors. The race village was buzzing each evening with social gatherings where sailors shared stories, strategies, and insights from their time on the water.
A Successful Racing Program
Chao Pescao’s progression in the J/105 Class is evidence of the success of Modern Sailing’s Racing Program, which offers club members a viable path to race at competitive levels.
The program starts with education — with the Racing and Asymmetrical Spinnaker Clinics — and participants build racing experience through 3 levels of racing:
- Tier 1 Drop-In Races: BYC Friday Beer Can Races, Sunday Chowder Races, and Midwinter Races - a series of one-off, drop-in events allowing new racers to gain experience in a friendly environment.
- Tier 2 Club Race Teams: a program that allows racers to level up their skills by competing with the same crew for a full race series.
- Tier 3 Performance Team: an invitational program inviting members to compete at the highest levels in the Bay Area.
A Look Toward the Future
As the 60th Rolex Big Boat Series came to a close, Chao Pescao’s crew completed the regatta with a sense of accomplishment and pride. They proved to themselves that with hard work, focus, and teamwork, they could elevate their performance and compete with the best.
Looking ahead, Chao Pescao is already planning the Fall and Winter season, centered around Berkeley Yacht Club Chowders and the Midwinter Series for the Club Race Team and the SYC Regatta Pro Series for the Performance team. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact the Modern Sailing office at (415) 331-8250 or send an email.
