International field of competitors return to POLA Harbor Cup

Port of Los Angeles Harbor Cup © Bronny Daniels / Joysailing

Top-notch intercollegiate big boat racing enters its second decade here, when the Port of Los Angeles Harbor Cup regatta returns March 9 to 11, 2018.

Ten co-ed college teams from across the nation and Europe will battle for three days in what has proven to be one of the leading competitions of its kind. College level regattas are typically sailed in small one or two-person dinghies, in protected waters. But in 2008, Los Angeles Yacht Club and the Port of Los Angeles introduced this rare opportunity for high-level offshore keelboat racing, with large competitive co-ed teams.

Invitations are highly coveted and this year's field includes: defending champions California Maritime Academy, College of Charleston, University of Hawaii, Maine Maritime Academy, Massachusetts Maritime Academy, US Naval Academy, University of California Santa Barbara, University of Southern California, University of South Florida, and Ireland's Cork Institute of Technology.

Teams of eight, including at least two female crew, will race on Catalina 37s – a one-design fleet of sailboats utilized in the prestigious Congressional Cup regatta. The series will consist of 10 windward-leeward races on the Pacific Ocean course outside Angels' Gate.

Racers will enjoy the hospitality of LAYC: lodging, meals, and special events – including a Saturday night crew and alumni dinner with guest speaker Terry Hutchinson A champion sailor since his own college years, Hutchinson is a two-time Rolex Yachtsman of the Year.

LAYC was founded in 1901 and is one of oldest and most respected institutions on the West Coast, hosting events such as the Harbor Cup, and Transpacific Yacht Race.

The POLA is the nation's number-one container port and a global model for sustainability, security, and social responsibility.

The two organizations joined forces to, "... encourage young men and women to enjoy the benefits of competitive sailing. Corinthian values that promote the highest level of sportsmanship, fairness, courtesy and grace in victor or defeat are valuable traits that all young men and women should aspire. Environmental awareness, stewardship and developing a love of the ocean are other important byproducts of getting out on the water at an early age."

For additional information please visit www.layc.org