San Diego’s Yachting Cup – for Keelboats of All Shapes and Sizes

by Lynn Fitzpatrick on 15 Apr 2010 San Diego Yacht Club is on a mission to reinvigorate Yachting Cup (May 1, 2) by showcasing the best yachts and sailing competition in Southern California. The move is already attracting the West Coast’s TP52’s and sleds.

'We are proud to have at least two big boat fleets racing under a measured rule. Yachting Cup is joining the ranks of internationally renown regattas such as the San Francisco Big Boat Series, Cowes Week, Key West Race Week and Hamilton Island Race Week by adopting the use of measured rules,' said Jon Gardner, Regatta Chairman.

As the Monday, April 26th entry deadline approaches, Taxi Dancer, the Yabsley/Compton/Parker-owned Reichel/Pugh 68 is the first of the sleds to enter. Yachting Cup anticipates that the half dozen sleds entered in The Border Run from Newport Beach to San Diego, which takes place a week earlier, will remain in town for fleet racing off of Point Loma. Yachting Cup entry here now

Including the two TP52’s in the San Francisco Bay area, the largest grouping of TP52’s outside of the Med is concentrated California. Looking forward to the opportunity to have fun and continue to perfect his team’s crew work, Andy Rasdal of SDYC was the first to register his TP52, Valkyrie, in the regatta.

Jim Madden, owner of the TP52 Stark Raving Mad V, said, 'We really enjoy racing under IRC. The rating system works well for coastal and offshore sailing and allows us to participate in a wide range of regattas. Our calendar this year includes distance racing and buoy racing at venues such as San Diego in the south and Santa Barbara in the north. The 52 fleet likes the variety, and as an owner I like having a rating that travels with the boat to other high profile regattas, and there is no guessing as to what the rating will be.'

As expected, the J/105’s, J/120’s and Schock 35’s are promising to strong showings. The event is also the first series in the inaugural Melges California Cup, so a respectable turnout from the Melges 24’s is also anticipated.

'We are planning on having up to five PHRF divisions, and we will be racing under PH San Diego. We want everyone to be happy and we are facilitating adjustment hearings for those who want a PH San Diego rating for the series.'

SDYC members who aren’t competing in Yachting Cup are encouraged to come for the parties. All sailors who are in town on Friday evening are invited to a pre-regatta reception at SDYC. On Saturday night, the Lomatones will play at the Yachting Cup Party, and more fun is on tap during the Awards Ceremony on Sunday.

Yachting Cup entry here now