Yacht Racing Off SF Coast Suspended

The Coast Guard has called a temporary halt to ocean-going races in the San Francisco area following the deaths of five sailors during a race earlier this month. A race due to take place Saturday has been rerouted, and authorities are working to find a new route for another race next month, reports the San Francisco Chronicle.

The five sailors were killed when a monster wave rolled the yacht over, and the Coast Guard says it needs time to review safety procedures. "The San Francisco Bay Area sailing community is one of the most vibrant, experienced, and capable sailing communities in the world,” the local Coast Guard captain says. “This temporary safety stand-down from offshore racing will allow the Coast Guard and the offshore racing community to further our common safety goals.” (More yachts stories.)