Terry Hutchinson wins the 2007 MASN Senator’s Cup

by Event PR on 15 Nov 2007 In an impressive display of sailing talent in conditions that ranged from drifting to breeze-on, former Team New Zealand tactician Terry Hutchinson bested a field of five other America's Cup helmsmen and tacticians to win the 2007 MASN Senator's Cup.

This ninth edition of the event to promote world-class sailing in Baltimore Harbor concluded today after three days of match race sailing and a gala fundraiser to benefit the Living Classrooms Foundation, Special Olympics, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, and other local charities.

'It was fantastic to have the opportunity to come and support this event,' said Annapolis-based Hutchinson, 'and great to win against such a strong field.' Sailing in J/105's donated for the event, Hutchinson defeated former Aloha Challenge tactician Chris Larson 2-0 in the Finals following a 2-1 win against former Stars and Stripes helmsman John Bertrand in the Semi-Finals and winning the light-air single round robin in a tie-break. Former K-Challenge helmsman Cameron Appleton from New Zealand defeated Bertrand in the Petit-Final for third place. 2006 US match race champion and Victory Challenge member Dave Perry ended the competition in fifth place, and 1992 America's Cup champion Dave Dellenbaugh finished in sixth.

'We were extremely excited to have these talented America’s Cup skippers race for the Senator's Cup in Baltimore,' said Regatta Chair John Pica. 'These helmsmen are all America’s Cup veterans and fierce competitors, so the action was incredibly close, yet they didn't disappoint us with their poise. They provided a great show for spectators and the basis to raise substantial funds for our charities, as well as proving that Baltimore can be a suitable site for world-class match race sailing.'

'Living Classrooms Foundation is delighted to have been selected as one of the designated charities for the 2007 Senator's Cup. This has truly been a premier sailing event, drawing world class talent to Baltimore, and Living Classrooms welcomes the opportunity to help showcase Baltimore's Harbor and sailing venues, as well as the community overall. The maritime history of Baltimore and Living Classrooms connection to The National Historic Seaport of Baltimore makes this event a natural for the Foundation and our City,' said James Bond, president and CEO of Living Classrooms Foundation.

'This has been great for our athletes,' said Tom Schniedwind, marketing director for Special Olympics of Maryland. They've had a chance to see some of the best sailors in the world.'

After two days of frustratingly light air, the cool autumn weather finally produced ideal eight to15 knot conditions which allowed Principal Race Officer Bill Shinn and his team from the Baltimore City Yachting Association to set spectator-friendly courses just yards off the docks and sea walls in Canton. With numerous shifts and puffs traversing the course area, no lead was safe, so the racing was always close enough to keep Dobbs Davis and his on-water umpire team busy for every match.

And as a gesture to even further enhance the level of competition, skippers Appleton and Perry sailed with Larson and Hutchinson in the Finals, supplementing the mostly local field of crew talent provided by the organizers of the event.

Title sponsor of the 2007 Senators Cup is Mid-Atlantic Sports Network, which will air a 30-minute show on the racing action at a time and date to be announced. Presenting sponsor of this year’s event is Land Rover, and supporting sponsors include the following: Baltimore Magazine, the Baltimore Orioles, the Sheraton Inner Harbor, Home Paramount, Atlantis Weathergear, 100.7 The Bay Radio, BCYA, Clipper City, CA Sportswear, artist Kathryn Leonard, Wells Liquors, Murray Cellular Associates, Mount Gay Rum, Kettle One, Vineyard Vines, Rolex, and J Brown Jewelers.

For more information and links to the video coverage provided by T2P Productions, visit the event website at www.senatorscup.com. Photos can be obtained from Andy Herbick at the event website or at andyherbickphotography.com.