May 1-3, 2026, over 50 boats in several classes are expected to descend upon the waters of San Diego Bay and Coronado Roads to compete in the 2026 Yachting Cup. The Yachting Cup is one of the most highly anticipated regattas of the year featuring fun, challenging race courses designed with each class in mind, as well as a variety of socials each day.SDYC’s Commodore

Alli Bell states “The 2026 Yachting Cup represents the continuation of one of the longest running and most prestigious events at San Diego Yacht Club. We are looking forward to welcoming sailors from around Southern California and beyond for good competition and fun on and off the water.”

The Yachting Cup typically features a deep lineup of one-design and handicap classes, including Beneteau 36.7s, J/105s, J/111s, J/22s, J/24s, amongst others, ORC handicap boats sailing buoy racing courses, and with medium range distance races for the larger boats sailing with an ORR certificate. These varieties of options ensure competitive racing across a wide range of boats and styles.

Kicking things off is the always-popular Friday “Ton Cup” race, sailed in La Playa Basin aboard SDYC’s J/22s. It’s a relaxed, high-energy warm-up designed to get crews dialing in teamwork and setting the tone for the weekend. Best of all, it’s free for all registered entrants.

When the racing wraps up each day, the fun shifts ashore. The weekend includes a Friday night Welcome Party, the signature Yachting Cup Party on Saturday night, and a Sunday Awards Ceremony following racing. Sailors can expect music, excellent food and drinks flowing all three days along with live music on Saturday night.

Whether you’re chasing bullets, tuning up for the season, or just soaking in the scene, the Yachting Cup delivers the full regatta experience - on the racecourse and onshore. Yachting Cup Event Chair Donica Ryder states “Yachting Cup is one of San Diego Yacht Club's signature events and a personal favorite of mine.  It draws talented sailors from all over Southern California for fierce competition, fantastic parties and the potential glory of an overall win. Yachting Cup is over 50 years old and still going strong! I hope you will join me, our world-class SDYC race committee and exceptional SDYC staff the first weekend in May to make this Yachting Cup our best yet!”

The 2026 Yachting Cup is proudly sponsored by Driscoll Boat Works, Helly Hansen, Mount Gay Rum, Maui Brewing Co, North Sails, and Sun Bum.