BRIEFS

WORLD QUALIFIED

Newport Harbor High’s Michael Menninger and crewmember Nick Martin teamed up to win the Club 420 Midwinter Championship in Florida.

With the victory, Menninger qualified to race in the International Sailing Federation Youth World Championships in Weymouth, England, in July.

The championship came down to a race between Menninger and North American champion Tyler Sinks of San Diego for the World Championships berth, with Menninger coming out ahead. In all, 98 boats were entered, competing in 12 races apiece.

Charlie Buckingham, Menninger’s teammate at Newport Harbor, finished third.

Among the other Newport Harbor sailors competing, Chris Barnard and Chris Segerblom finished eighth (and received the Top Junior award for the best skipper and crew under the age of 16), and Cole Hatton and Blair Belling placed 12th.

LET’S PLAY 100

The Estancia High baseball program is hosting its annual 100-Inning Game on Saturday, starting at 9 a.m. The game will pit Estancia alumni, parents and family members against this season’s varsity baseball team in a unique fundraiser.

Coach C.K. Green will lead the Eagles in the marathon game, which will be played five innings at a time until it reaches 100. Participants may show up anytime between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

A hamburger lunch sponsored by Outback Steakhouse will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tickets for the lunch are $5.

Call booster club president Dan Oliver at (714) 331-5284, or e-mail Coach Green at [email protected] by Wednesday to reserve lunch tickets.

APPROACHING SURF

The seventh Newport Harbor High Classic surf competition is scheduled for April 1 and 2 at 56th Street in Newport Beach. The competition will be held from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.

The event is open to all ages with eight divisions. Registration is $30 in advance and $35 on the day of competition, but there is a limit of 160 entries. All registered surfers will receive a T-shirt and lunch on both days.

For information, call (949) 675-2855, or register at Surfside Surf Shop, 112 23rd Street, Newport Beach.

CdM ALUMNI MATCH

The Corona del Mar High boys volleyball program will hold an alumni match on April 1 at 7 p.m. at the school’s gym.

All former Sea King players are invited and members of CIF Southern Section championship teams from 2005, 2000, 1998 and 1989 are expected to attend.

For information, phone (949) 515-6008 ext. 4024.

CHARITABLE IMPACT

The Newport Beach-based Pacific Club Impact Foundation presented a $25,000 check to the University of Alabama’s general scholarship fund in recognition of Crimson Tide football player DeMeco Ryans.

Ryans was the winner of the 2005 Lott Trophy, which is presented by the foundation. The award honors the defensive player who has the greatest impact on and off the field.

The foundation also gave checks to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Huntington Beach’s El Viento Foundation, Irvine-based Human Options, and the South Central Los Angeles Gifted Scholar Fund.

SAILING THROUGH

The Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club has released the winners of the Southern California Yachting Assn.’s Harbor 20s Midwinter Regatta, hosted by the club in February.

Newport Harbor Yacht Club’s Idros, piloted by Helen Duncon, won the Class A Division. Balboa Yacht Club’s Jack Cannon, piloting Whatever, took second place, followed by Why Not, skippered by Newport Harbor Yacht Club’s Lee Sutherland.

UC Irvine Sailing Assn.’s Party Globe, piloted by Emil Pilafidis, was the only competitor in Class B.

In the Thistle Class, Alamitos Bay Yacht Club’s entry ? with Peter Troin as skipper ? was the winner.

In addition, the club announced the final results of its Hot Rum Series, which was held over a four-month span.

Rapid Transit” a Beneteau captained by Andrew Donchak, won the Class A title, followed by Red Line (Mike Dwight) and Illusion (Chuck Brewer). In Class B, Tom Zellamaier won the series title in Lanakai,” a 35 Sloop. Pussycat (Tom Szalay) and Yard Dog (Richard D’Alessio) rounded out the top three.

UCI BASEBALL CLINIC

The UC Irvine baseball team will hold a skills clinic for the Challenger Little League on April 29 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Anteater Ballpark.

Up to 60 disabled youth will be invited to participate in a series of drills, including hitting, pitching, throwing and catching.

The Challenger Little Leaguers are also invited to share a pizza dinner with the coaches and players afterward.dpt.24-nh-sailing-BPhotoInfoKJ1PACDF20060325iwm534kn(LA)Newport Harbor High sailors Nick Martin, left, and Michael Menninger, right, with their awards after winning the Club 420 Midwinter Championships in Florida. With the victory, the two qualified for the Youth World Championships this July in England.