San Diego Yacht Club welcomes the west coast competitive sailing community to its signature regatta, the Yachting Cup, on May 5-7, 2023. Compiled of competitive buoy racing and random leg racing for a variety of classes, the Yachting Cup encompasses an aspect of sailing that is cherished in the community: inclusion and a love for the water. Now in its 51st year, the Yachting Cup provides a great weekend of high-profile racing for those with a passion for the sport of sailing.
Similar to years past, the 2023 running of the event will be split between two W/L courses in the ocean. The Yachting Cup is excited to welcome back the “Classic” division and “Navigator” division, which will once again start in the ocean and finish in the San Diego Bay and sail a random leg course. On Friday, May 5, Yachting Cup registrants are invited to sail in the Ton Cup, a long-standing tradition.
On Saturday, May 6 and Sunday, May 7, the Yachting Cup will start on the sailors' respective courses at 1135. Yachting Cup results will be scored separately from those of the Ton Cup.
The first entry for 2023 was Timothy Forderer with Holy Toledo West!, a Hobie 33 that was first in class in the 2021 Yachting Cup.
“We had a great time sailing the 2021 SDYC Yachting Cup and hope we get a very good turnout this year. Shout out to all SoCal Hobie 33 owners – come and join Holy Toledo West! at the Yachting Cup!," said Forderer.
For 2023, the Yachting Cup resumes on its newer traditional date, usually the first weekend of May. The event is home for the weekend to around 70 boats.
The overall winner of the 2022 Yachting Cup was Jim Bailey’s 1D35, Destroyer. “After having such a great time last year, we on Destroyer and looking forward to this year’s event. We had great competition and conditions last year and the shore side events were a lot of fun. Hope to see everyone back this year and would encourage all to come of down!”
Regatta Chair Traci Miller said, "We are always hoping to make the Yachting Cup a competitive and memorable event. We try to add something new or respond to racers’ input. This year we are hoping to get as many of the Club’s J/22s on the water as possible, utilizing Club assets and getting another one design start on the water."
As well as the on the water competition, the social events are included in the registration fee, for skippers and crew. There will be a Cinco de Mayo Fiesta with hosted SoCal Mexican cuisine and sponsored Mount Gay Rum specialty cocktails. Live entertainment featuring John Fretwell’s ska band, Third Project. Saturday Night our big Yachting Cup DJ party featuring a hosted Italian-inspired buffet with Mount Gay Rum libations. Trophies will be awarded Sunday afternoon with SDYC favorite comfort foods and hosted beer.
Quantum Sails is thrilled to sponsor Yachting Cup, and support participants with overnight sail service, morning weather, and coaching. On May 6-7, George Szabo joins Sailflow Weather to offer interactive forecasts and local knowledge tips. In addition, registered boats can sign up to be followed by Eric Heim on the water to take technical photos of your boat and sails, followed by an interactive coaching debrief session filled with insights from off the boat. Finally, sailors can drop off their sails with Andrew LaPlant at the Quantum Sails van for overnight service and repairs.