The 2021 Yachting Cup, one of San Diego Yacht Club’s most popular signature regattas, might look a little smaller in size this year, but is certainly matching the on-the-water spirit of Yachting Cup’s past. While normally hosting nearly 100 boats, the 2021 regatta is hosting 48 teams in 7 classes, all eager to race and itching for good competition.
Standing first in class after day one of the 2021 Yachting Cup are:
• B36.7: Chick Pyle’s Kea
• B40.7: Mark Stratton’s Lugano
• J/105: Stewart Cannon’s J-OK
• PHRF-A: Alec Oberschmidt’s Staghound
• PHRF-B: Mick Schlens’ Blade 2
• PHRF-C & ORC: Ed Sanford’s Creative
• PHRF-D: Paula Schmid’s Echo
The conditions on both the “far” and “near” ocean courses were shifty at about 225 degrees, seeing sporadic puffs from 5 to 11 knots. The day started with a short postponement while the breeze filled in. These conditions were described as perfect for Ed Sanford’s Creative, the J/111 that finished first in the PHRF-C class. “The conditions were perfect for the boat, especially when it hit around 8-10 knots. However, we did have to steer through the waves and it was challenging going upwind to Port,” started Sanford.
The third race for the PHRF classes finished with a 6-mile race home. “The first and third race for us were pretty much flawless. Coming down the channel in the last race was challenging, but perfect once we got past Ballast Point. The kite was pulling like you couldn’t believe and we just started gaining distance on the 44.7 (Aeolos),” Sanford finished.
Creative was one of five sport boats to be dual scored PHRF and ORC, and they lead their classes in both scoring formats.
While winds might have been shifty on the course, the results stayed very consistent. Throughout the day, the majority of the fleet stuck in their general vicinity on the scoresheet.
Mick Schlens’ Blade 2 (PHRF-B) finished the day with three bullets, taking first; Mark Stratton’s Lugano (B40.7) stands in first with a 1, 3, 1; Chick Pyle’s Kea (B36.7) is in first with a 1, 1, 2; Alec Oberschmidt's Staghound (PHRF-A) holds first with a 2, 2, 1; and Stewart Cannon’s J-OK stands first with a 2, 1, 1.
Cannon has owned his J/105 J-OK for over 20 years. His crew has been sailing together for some time and they all rely on a full team effort for success. “We really enjoyed ourselves out there,” stated Cannon while his team chimed in. Crew Ryan Lorence added, “We spent all day going the way we thought it was going to go, and it went the opposite, but luckily we were able to get through. We had to switch gears and change some jibs but we had a pretty good day.”
Post-racing, competitors were invited to take to-go cocktails back to their boats and enjoy live music by StylusOverhaul. Tomorrow, they will reconvene back on the courses for an 1130 warning signal followed by a full day of racing before receiving awards.