Chris Busch's Bushido claims victory at the 2025 Bill Bennett Cup

by San Diego Yacht Club 23 Jan 16:07 PST January 18-19, 2025

2025 Bill Bennett Cup © Mark Albertazzi

The waters off San Diego Yacht Club played host to another successful Bill Bennett Cup, part of the prestigious West Coast Spring Series (WCSS), with Chris Busch and Buschido (USA 969) securing an impressive overall victory.

The regatta honors the memory of beloved sailor Bill Bennet and showcased competitive racing to kick off the 2025 west coast Etchells year.

Chris Busch, Patrick Powell and Chuck Sinks demonstrated remarkable consistency throughout the series, posting three first-place finishes to claim the overall title with just 5 points. Jim Cunningham on Lifted (USA 1404) secured second place with 9 points, while Argyle Campbell and Rock On (USA 1452) rounded out the podium with 15 points.

"The Bill Bennett Cup is always high on my radar, and I've been close to winning but the coveted first place BB quilt gifted by Leslie Bennett has always eluded me. This year was our year with conditions that suited us and a string of consistent finishes due to good starts, nice speed and placement on the course. My crew, Patrick Powell and Chuck Sinks, did an excellent job of picking the correct side on the first beat and kept the boat going fast with timely gear changes. Bill will always be in my thoughts and I've got to believe he would be smiling down this past weekend."

2025 Bill Bennett Cup - photo © Mark Albertazzi

In the Corinthian division, Don Jesberg sailing Viva (USA 1429) emerged victorious with 23 points, followed by Ethan Doyle on Capricorn (USA 1229) in second with 25 points, and Michael Terry on Blue Fin (USA 1263) taking third with 43 points.

When asked about the regatta, Don Jesperg noted that the "out-of-town Etchells sailors always appreciate the incredible hospitality of SDYC. It's a pleasure to reconnect with long-time friends, both on the racecourse and back at the dock."

He went on to share his excitement about the West Coast Spring Series and Etchells North American Championships as a great segue into the Etchells World Championships, all of which are being hosted at SDYC in 2025 and 2026.

Michael Terry continued that "the 2025 Bill Bennett Cup and WCSS have a large and very competitive Corinthian division made up of teams from the very talented pool of Corinthian sailors from local Fleet 13 as well as Corinthian teams from out of town."

Terry is a top Corinthian finisher from local Fleet 13 and 3rd place Corinthian finisher in the Bill Bennett Cup. "The fight for the Top Corinthian team in the WCSS will be a hard-fought battle. My team worked really hard and were happy to get off to a good start for the race for Top Corinthian for the WCSS."

2025 Bill Bennett Cup - photo © Mark Albertazzi

The Bill Bennett Cup continues to honor the legacy of one of San Diego's most beloved sailing community members. "I look forward to this event to support the passion of my beloved husband. It is a fleet that is dedicated to the best of racing through learning and competition," said Leslie Bennett.

The regatta, now a cornerstone of the West Coast Spring Series, serves as a touching tribute to Bill Bennett's contributions to the sport and his lasting impact on the San Diego sailing community.

The West Coast Spring Series continues with the Etchells Pacific Coast Championship, scheduled for February 22-23, 2025, where competitors will once again gather to showcase their racing prowess.