2023 Lipton Cup at San Diego Yacht Club - Day 1
by San Diego Yacht Club 28 Oct 2023 07:10 BST
October 27-29, 2023
2023 Lipton Cup © Mark Albertazzi
The San Diego Yacht Club welcomed twelve distinguished teams from around the country to compete in J/105's, in a rotating format, as they vie for the 108th Sir Thomas Lipton Cup. In picturesque Fall Southern California conditions, competitors enjoyed sunny skies and steady breeze. Seventy eight accomplished sailors embarked on a three day pursuit of arguably the most coveted trophy on the West Coast.
The Lipton Cup is about precision and a steadfast commitment to delivering your best in every race. With no throw out to rely on, you can't afford a bad race or even a bad start. The talent is deep and there will always be a team hot on your heels, looking to capitalize on your mistakes.
Today's racing illustrated, time and time again, that conservative sailing and consistent top five finishes were enough to secure a team's placement in the overall standings. Defending Lipton Cup Champion skipper Tyler Sinks of SDYC spoke to the importance of measured maneuvers on the race course, "Stick to your game plan, which is conservative sailing and let the boat speed do the work.". SDYC was able to do just that, winning the first day by a handsome seven point lead.
The boat that makes the fewest mistakes will always win the day. Early leaders of the regatta, SDYC, NHYC and CYC will need to focus on clean sailing and avoid critical errors in order to protect their position at the top. Heading into day two of racing SDYC is followed by Newport Harbor Yacht Club, skippered by Justin Law, and Coronado Yacht Club, skippered by Scott Harris.
After the racing, competitors gathered on the Front Dock where they enjoyed snacks and beer by Ballast Point Brewing Company. Tomorrow, racing will begin back in South Bay with the Warning Signal scheduled for 1125. After the racing, competitors and guests are invited to the Saturday Night Banquet, a formal sit-down dinner where skippers are asked to come on stage and lightheartedly roast their fellow teams!
Spectators are encouraged to bring out their boats or hop aboard a friend's for one or all of the racing days on the water! Remember to hashtag #sdycliptoncup when posting about the event!
Look out this year at each boat sporting a brand-new spinnaker. Every four or so years, at the end of their lifespan, spinnakers are replaced with the opportunity to be branded by local businesses. We look forward to seeing your logos fly on the city front! Thank you to those who bought a spinnaker for the next term: First National Bullion, Sailing Supply, South Coast Yachts, Crew Builders, Inc., and Marvin K. Brown.
Results available here.