April Monthly Meeting: California Racing Scene

FOOD SERVICE NOTE: Rolling Hills Clubhouse will not be offering food service for this meeting. Beverages are available as usual.

Mike Maloney probably has more coastal and ocean racing experience than just about any other AYC member. At our April meeting, Mike will talk about the West Coast California racing scene, including all the major events on tap for the summer. As a long-term veteran of California racing, he’ll share insider information about the pros and cons of each race, the challenges, the yacht clubs, and how to participate.

Tuesday, April 11 at 7pm
The Grill at Rolling Hills Golf Course
1415 N Mill Ave, Tempe, AZ

Arrive early for beverages and socializing until 7pm, when we’ll start the meeting. Guests are always welcome!

Mike has owned several boats, from a Hobie 16 to an Express 37. For local racing, you might see him on Lake Pleasant aboard Blind Squirrel, a Santana 20.

AYC Member Mike Maloney is all smiles on a boat.

Along with being a boat owner, Mike holds an impressive resume that includes 35+ years of sailing in a wide variety of boats and locales. Much of his time includes racing and sailing on San Francisco Bay, coastal California, and Mexican waters as far south as Manzanillo.

Offshore racing seems to be Mike’s happy place. He shared this experience, “In 1995, I navigated Yukon Jack’s record-setting run in the 1995 Tahiti Cup Race, and have twice skippered and navigated Pac Cup, including a first in class and fourth overall in 2008.”

Since 2004, Mike has competed in several inshore racing events, such as the Rolex Big Boat Series – five times, LBRW, and multiple YRA and OYRA Series, to name a few.

Mike says, “I am familiar with all boat systems and can handle most onboard repairs. I am also a private pilot with 300+ hours of flying time. My US Sailing Safety at Sea certification is current through 2024, and I previously received basic and water survival training in the US Air Force.”

You might want to know if this guy ever takes a break from racing. Yes, his cruising resume is just as impressive with deliveries and charters in locations like France, the BVI’s, the Sea of Cortez, and the Marshall Islands.