Storck family goes all-in for 2024 Resolute Cup
by New York Yacht Club 12 Aug 2024 03:14 AEST
September 9-14, 2024
Resolute Cup © Paul Todd / Outside Images
The Storm Trysail Club's entry into the Resolute Cup has been the domain of the Storck family since 2016. Each of the four Storck siblings have sailed under the STC burgee in the regatta, and to good effect.
The club has finished fourth, third and third, respectively, in the 2016, 2018 and 2022 editions of the unofficial Corinthian championship for U.S. yacht clubs. The only thing they haven't done—aside from win the regatta—is to all sail together. The latter will happen this September as brothers Eric, John and Ian join sister Kaity Potts (née Storck) in pursuit of one of amateur sailing's most coveted trophies.
"While we all continue to value time together, our adult lives have naturally developed some amount of separateness," says John Storck III, the eldest sibling. "And while we strive to spend time together, it is almost never just the four of us. This is a unique opportunity, and one I am looking forward to and do not take for granted."
Since 2010, the Resolute Cup has served as a Corinthian Championship for U.S. Yacht Clubs and the only guaranteed pathway for an American club to earn a berth in the Rolex New York Yacht Club Invitational Cup, Corinthian sailing's most prestigious international competition. The seventh edition of the biennial competition—the event was not sailed in 2020—is scheduled for September 9 to 14 at the New York Yacht Club Harbour Court in Newport, R.I. The 2024 Resolute Cup will utilize the Club's fleet of Sonars, with provided sails, equalized rig tune and on-the-water umpiring ensuring sailing's ultimate level playing field. The 2024 New York Yacht Club Regatta Association regatta calendar is supported by Helly Hansen, Hammetts Hotel, Safe Harbor Marinas and Peters & May.
Sailing has always been a Storck family activity. A lot of time was spent racing. Each of the four enjoyed successful collegiate sailing careers while Erik, who will again skipper the team's entry, also competed in the 2012 Olympics at helm of the American 49er team. But they were also encouraged to appreciate all facets of the sport, one reason their collective passion for it has endured.
"We were very lucky to be regularly exposed and engaged with many different aspects of the sport," says John. "At any given time, we were training and racing dinghies, racing small keelboats in regional events, racing on the family Ericson 39 in Long Island Sound distance races and cruising as a family. Whenever I hit a wall and felt burnt out on one aspect of the sport, the notion of giving up sailing was never a thought. I might take a break from one aspect, but just put that time into another type of sailing."
Podium finishes in 2018 and 2022 are evidence of the family's collective talent and cohesion. Could finally getting all four together on the same boat be what pushes the Storm Trysail Club to the top of the podium? Family bonds can overcome a lot, but the Resolute Cup is a tough nut to crack.
"You obviously need to be conservative in the early stages, as sailing through the fleet after self-inflicted wounds is hard to do," says John Storck. "But there comes a time in the event where that conservative approach will also prevent you from standing on top of the podium at the end. Finding that balance is hard but seems vital for success at this specific regatta."
When it comes to walking that competitive tight rope, doing so alongside people you've known your entire life has to help.
Racing for the Resolute Cup will start on Wednesday, September 11. On Saturday, September 14, the fleet will be halved for three final double-point races. Racing will take place on Narragansett Bay between Rose and Goat islands starting at 10:30 am each morning and running through the afternoon, weather permitting.