The original idea behind the "East Bay Estuary" Race was to provide a race closer to boats who lived over that way. The Oakland YC has always supported the SSS, so it was selected as the Finish. Going downwind in the Estuary is usually mellow, unless there's a container ship turning and completely blocking it, as happened more than once - leaving part of the fleet sailing circles for 10 minutes until that task is accomplished.
Some of will recall the fateful East Bay - Estuary Race on which quite a few boats interfered with an incoming container ship. Instead of going into the Estuary, as was expected, the ship was headed for the old Oakland Army Terminals on the outside, and had to take a left turn. Quite a few SSS boats had stayed left, thinking it was going into the Estuary, so were caught in its path. We invited the pilot to the Awards Party and he graciously attended, even bringing Bar Pilot Coffee Mugs and pens to distribute. But he did point out that he had to reverse his engine, which meant shutting it down and then restarting it in reverse and then doing it all over to get moving forward again - container ships don't have sport car transmissions - nor brakes. After this, and since the number of boats in the race had grown significantly, it was decided to avoid using the Estuary as part of the race. Over the years there had been container ships in the Estuary turning or just sharing the space with a 100 SSS boats.
After this decision the "East Bay" race bounced around with different courses until it ended up looking like it does. Actually for many boats the RYC isn't a bad destination. The club is welcoming and has room to tie up. Boats headed back to Berkeley or the Estuary can usually reach along fairly comfortable. Although the Oakland YC was always happy to have SSS folks stick around, finding a place to tie up was a problem.
For those of us who live in Marin or along the City Front, both destinations are difficult. It's a loooong way back from the OYC to Sausalito, usually against a westerly wind in the slot. It's not so far from the RYC, to Sausalito, but almost always against a west wind. There are, however, many more SSS boats who live in the East Bay than "out West," so their return to the berth is more comfortable.
The Corinthian Race was started when Peter was involved with the CYC (he was eventually Commodore there). It's had a somewhat rocky history, and was even suspended for a few years. The CYC makes money renting out their ballroom, so there is usually a conflict with using their race deck and a ban on using guns. Although there is a guest dock, it's limited. Over the years the welcome mat has been both in and out following the race. It is, however, a great race for those of us in Marin to Start and Finish! (Why not be a little "dog in the manger-ish?"
My suggestion is to leave both races as they are. Live with the limitations at the CYC and enjoy the good times at the RYC.
