In 1985, the Capri 14.2 had been in production for only a year, but sales in San Diego had been brisk. The local dealer, Ron Lane, of Fast Lane Sailing, decided to throw a party in his office for all his Capri 14.2 customers and organize a fleet. It worked. For the next two years, under the leadership of Ron Lane and Ed Jones, the new fleet sailed in Mission Bay. They usually launched at de Anza Cove and had little pick up races, sailing around markers made of old Clorox bottles. Five boats was considered a monster turnout. In 1986, Ron invited the fleets in Westlake and LA to have the second C-14.2 Nationals at Mission Bay, hosting it in his facility on Ingraham Street. This was a big success, drawing the attention of the Carpi 22 sailors at MBYC. Under their sponsorship, MBYC invited the Capri 14.2s to join as a fleet. In 1987, five Capri 14.2s became the nucleus of the present fleet.

The fleet has grown since then, and now hosts the Capri 14.2 Nationals each fall. For 2007 we have 13 day races scheduled through the year, plus all the TNT races. And on March 31, we will have a Race Clinic/Starting Practice session to get the season rolling.

There are now about 30 Capri 14.2s in dry storage at MBYC. The boat appeals to young families who want a modern, but simple. self bailing day sailor that an inexperienced couple can race. The Capri 14.2 fleet prides itself on being an entry-level fleet that goes to great lengths to train new racers with clinics and a "mentor" program and which matches up novice racers with old hands. The fleet also takes pride in the large number of lady skippers in its ranks. Lastly, its a friendly group, where "seldom is heard a discouraging word" and new sailors are made welcome.

by Ed Jones, February 2007