Nevin Snow wins the 50th Governor's Cup

by Nancy Mellon on 24 Jul 2016 Nevin Snow and his team from San Diego Yacht Club were victorious this year, defeating Sam Gilmour and his team from the Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club. Each had defeated their opponent in the final four.

In the battle of the Australians between Sam and last year’s winner, Harry Price, from Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, Sam was able to win two out of three races to move on to the finals. Nevin had raced Christophe Killian’s team from the host club, winning both races. CYCA then raced BYC in the Petit Final. Christophe was able to win the second and third races of their match, sewing up third place for the third time in three years.

The other teams paired up to race to determine their final placement. Ryo Takahashi from Japan Youth Match Racing Association defeated Chris Weis from Del Rey Yacht Club to place fifth. William Dargeville from Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club defeated Lachy Gilmore from RFBYC to place seventh. George Anyon, in ninth, from Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron defeated Charles LaLumiere from Portland Yacht Club. For 11th, Romain Screve of San Francisco Yacht Club won two out of three races to defeat Will Boulden of RFBYC.

The last day of the 2016 Gov Cup was a day of contrasts, starting with heavy fog. Since Friday' racing was cut short, there was a lot of racing planned, with all of the consolation rounds, Semi-finals, and Finals to fit in. Racing was expected to start at noon.

However, the PRO, Don Becker, had to wait to start until visibility improved. Between 1:30 and 2pm, wind increased and the competition began. The conditions were a stark contrast to the day before, when racing was abandoned about 4pm due to lack of wind.

The wind gusted to 18 knots, accompanied by heavy swells. Some of the many spectators chose to go back to the dock due to the conditions. The new Gov Cup 22's, designed by BYC member, Staff Commodore Alan Andrews of Andrews Yachts, held up well in their first races in heavy wind.

After racing, the winning boats were greeted at the Balboa Yacht Club dock by a cheering crowd. Trophy presentations were enjoyed by all. The team from San Diego hoisted the heavy venerable Governor’s Cup Trophy in celebration. Trophies were awarded to them as well as the second, third and fourth place teams as well.

In addition, the team from Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club was awarded the Sportsmanship Award, a special honor which is voted on by the team members and umpires. It honored Will Dargaville, Evelyn Foster and Malcolm Parker.

Gary Jobson and Chris Love filmed the events of the last two days to add to their footage for the film which will honor the 50 years of the Governor’s Cup. The movie will be shown on ESPN Classic on Friday evening, August 6.