Congressional Cup 2020 postponed: Long Beach Yacht Club to announce new dates
by Betsy Crowfoot 15 Mar 2020 17:30 AEDT
28 April - 3 May 2020
55th LBYC Congressional Cup final day © Bronny Daniels
Long Beach Yacht Club has hoisted the postponement flag, announcing the 56th Congressional Cup regatta and events running up to it - including next month's California Dreamin' Series Long Beach stop and the 2020 Ficker Cup - will be rescheduled later this year. The Congressional Cup was originally slated for April 28 to May 3, kicking off the 2020 World Match Racing Tour: organizers are exploring dates later in the year.
Congressional Cup Chair Cheri Busch said, "Considering that travel restrictions affect many of our competitors and officials, and for the general safety and well-being of our attendees, organizers, members and volunteers, we have decided to postpone the Congressional Cup until the situation has improved. We are not cancelling the Congressional Cup, however, and hope to have our sailors back on the water and competing for the Crimson Blazer soon!"
The Congressional Cup features rousing competition in the waters off Long Beach, as ten of the world's leading match racing skippers square off in a fleet of equalized Catalina 37 keelboats. Contestants include reigning champion Ian Williams (GBR), a four-time winner of the Congressional Cup (2011, 2012, 2017 and 2019) plus Johnie Berntsson (SWE), Scott Dickson (USA), Eric Monnin (SUI), Harry Price (AUS), Nicklas Dackhammar (SWE), Torvar Mirsky (AUS) and Jordan Stevenson (NZL).
The California Dreamin' Series Long Beach stop, the last of a three-part match race circuit which garners the winning skipper an invitation to the 2021 Ficker Cup, was originally slated for April 18 and 19. That event and this year's Ficker Cup, planned for April 24 to 26, are expected to also be rescheduled. The Ficker Cup is both a coveted World Sailing Grade 2 event, and qualifier for the Congressional Cup and World Match Racing Tour (WMRT). Its top two victors advance to the Congressional Cup regatta to complete the roster.
"We are exploring open dates on the sailing and World Match Racing Tour calendar, and look forward to hosting these thrilling and prestigious events in Long Beach again. But at this time the health of our community - both our local and worldwide sailing community - is paramount. We appreciate everyone's cooperation and look forward to sharing more news and information with you shortly," said Long Beach Yacht Club Commodore Charlie Legeman.
For additional information please visit www.TheCongressionalCup.com.