Of all the fine days we have in San Diego, imagine the finest, and that was the weather we had for the 39th Yachting Cup held April 29 - May 1. Crystal blue skies, mountains looming behind the city, Coronado Islands popping out on the perfectly clear horizon, … and the wind … 12 to 20 knots all three days from the west! Three race venues, 90 boats and five races plus the return of the Friday Ton Cup to tune up crew and sails made for a fun filled weekend.
Although the turn out for Friday's Ton Cup was lighter than hoped, 22 boats signed up, and just 11 actually made it out to the start line. From the start at SD 17 off Shelter Island, the race ran out the channel, made a left turn at SD buoy 4, went 2 miles downwind, 2 miles upwind to SD buoy 6, right turn and back up the bay to the start / finish line at Shelter Island. It was NOT a pursuit like the Hot Rum but rather a straight PHRF random leg rated handicap race. Staghound finished 5 minutes ahead on corrected time and was the overall winner on Friday. It is hoped that next year, Yachting Cup sailors will recognize the value (FREE!) of participating in the Ton Cup as a warm up for crew and equipment for the Yachting Cup, and enjoy the warm hospitality that was extended Friday evening – all included with a Yachting Cup registration.
The Yachting Cup's Day One, Saturday, started with a calm sea, but by the 1200 warning signal, all courses had a freshening westerly. The larger boats on the Far Roads course were loving the breeze and were charging upwind at 8 or 9 knots and doubling that downwind. The boats in the South Bay got the premiere 'flat water' venue with the big breeze. Crew weight and boat control (depowering) were the keys to their game. Three races were run and as the day progressed, you could tell the crew and sails were getting tired. Gusts as high as 20 kts were observed and there were numerous 'skid' marks around the leeward gates where takedowns were delayed or fouled, and various degrees of mayhem ensued.
Sunday also dawned calm but just as the day before, the breeze freshened out of the West and challenged the fleets yet again. Two races were run and competitors were making their way to the dock by 1600 with awards presented at 1730.
Many thanks to all the club members who helped out including, but not limited to, Chair Julia Olmstead, Co-Chair Wayne Terry, Registration Assistance from Sam and Mona Morbello, Race Committee organization from Jim Person and RC Chair Susan Graff, Protest Committee support from Marilyn Foster and to Commodore Hunt for his availability and encouragement throughout the event.
It is important also to thank all the competitors for their support via participation in our Yachting Cup event and taking the time to spend their valuable weekends enjoying the sport of sailing at our fine club.
Complete results and handicap times