Crowded starting lines like this one will be a common sight during this weekend's event off Long Beach.

LONG BEACH, CA — Among the 165-plus boats that have gathered in this metropolis for one of the region's most popular regattas, 23 Olson 30s are contesting their class's national championship. Yesterday, a freshening sea breeze swept Rick Flucke's Perfect Balance to an early lead in that class.
Ten races are scheduled for the Olsons, but 13 other classes will start competition today with a single round of racing beginning at 4:00 p.m. There will be two races each on Saturday and Sunday, with competition taking place on three courses inside and outside the Long Beach breakwater. A summary of each day's racing and standings will be posted nightly on the event's web site: www.premiere-racing.com/nsrw/.