Twelve teams set to compete for SoCal's most prestigious trophy: The Lipton Cup

by San Diego Yacht Club 7 Oct 2023 11:12 PDT October 27-29 2023

The 108th Challenge for the Sir Thomas Lipton Challenge Cup, San Diego Yacht Club's signature fall regatta, returns October 27-29, 2023. Named for the historic yachtsman and tea baron, Sir Thomas Lipton, the Lipton Cup allows yacht club teams to face off to determine who is the best of the best. It is the most prestigious trophy contested in Southern California and one of the most coveted on the West Coast since 1903.

Over the three days of racing, twelve teams from across the U.S. will compete using chartered J/105s in a round-robin format in South San Diego Bay. After each race, competitors rotate to a different boat via floating docks adjacent to the racecourse, adding a layer of excitement.

This year's Lipton Cup roster includes:

• Alamitos Bay Yacht Club
• American Yacht Club
• Balboa Yacht Club
• California Yacht Club
• Coronado Yacht Club
• Eastern Yacht Club
• Long Beach Yacht Club
• New York Yacht Club
• Newport Harbor Yacht Club
• San Diego Yacht Club
• San Francisco Yacht Club
• Southwestern Yacht Club

San Diego Yacht Club will be defending the Cup. Coming on the heels of winning the 2023 Rolex New York Yacht Club Invitational Cup in Newport, RI, the San Diego Yacht Club team will consist of skipper Tyler Sinks and some of his Invitational team members. Sailing with Sinks are: Max Hutcheson, Nick Kaschak, Lucy Wallace, Jake La Dow, Adam Roberts, and Brad Rodi.

"It's great to be back and our team is going for a third win in a row. That's an exciting challenge and we're motivated to try and three-peat," said Sinks.

The competition will be fierce with every team bringing their club's best, and most teams having competed previously for the Cup. Many Lipton Cup teams spend weeks or months prior to the regatta establishing a good crew, practicing and racing together in preparation for the event. Look out on the course for teams that have been sailing often, have sailed at the SD Bay venue, or may even be a returning skipper!

All but one skipper has participated in past Lipton Cups, whether as skipper or crew. Balboa Yacht Club's skipper Ryan Davidson comes to the start line for his first-ever Lipton Cup. Davidson is looking forward to good competition and close racing. "I don't think there is a team that cannot produce a top result," said Davidson.

Davidson's team member Tyler Wolk has lined up a fantastic team consisting of himself, Frankie Dair, Daniel Pegg, Greg Newman, Sarah Roudebush, and Ken Sherb. Davidson said, "Most of the team lives in Newport Beach so they are able to train together in their positions and work on team communication. I unfortunately live in Charleston, SC so will prepare by myself and local sailors here. But a wise man once told me that any monkey can drive and it's all about the crew."

A veteran to the Cup, Alamitos Bay Yacht Club skipper Chris Raab joins the 2023 Lipton Cup roster with a past win under his belt. Raab is bringing real competition to the course, having won 44 national championships in a variety of classes, and recently qualifying for the Olympic Trials in the ILCA 7. Adding to the team's experience is Raab's crew. Between his team of ABYC Commodore Mike Van Dyke, Peter Fraser, Bob Little, Eric Lidecis, and Mark Ryan, you'll find multiple offshore course records, past Lipton Cup wins, collegiate All-Americans, class, national, and world champions, and wins in the J/105, the Lipton Cup boat.

Raab said, "The Lipton Cup is my favorite event. It is the premier regatta for yacht clubs in the U.S. and the fairest test of sailing team skills due to the rotation of boats. My plan is to get off the blocks and put the bow down."

While the Lipton Cup is a highly competitive space, the sport of sailing is fostered through youth participation. This year, the Lipton Cup is welcoming two junior sailors to the course sailing with Southwestern Yacht Club skipper Chris Winnard. Taylor Ashton (15), is doing pit, and Jeff Ring (17) is on bow. "It will be a great experience for them," said Winnard.

As much fun as the 2023 Lipton Cup will be on water, some of the best memories are often made during the camaraderie on land. Day one of the Lipton Cup is set for Friday, October 27. Races will begin with an 1125 Warning Signal in South San Diego Bay. After the races, the teams will head back to SDYC for a welcome reception featuring light bites, beer, and cocktails. After the racing on Saturday, competitors, guests, and members are invited to the traditional Lipton Cup banquet which is always entertaining! Once the racing concludes on Sunday, an Awards Ceremony will be held on the Front Deck.

Spectators are encouraged to cheer on their favorite teams on the water! Bring your vessel or hop on with friends to watch some great racing. Results will be posted online throughout the day for those following from work or home! Remember to hashtag #sdycliptoncup when posting on social media.

Thank you to our dedicated sponsors, who make events like this one possible: Helly Hansen, South Coast Yachts, Ballast Point Brewery, Bay Club Hotel and Marina, Chipz Happen, SunBum, and Bella Luna Wines.

A special thank you also goes out to 2023's new spinnaker sponsors: First National Bullion, Sailing Supply, South Coast Yachts, Crew Builders, Inc., and Marvin K. Brown.