SDYC Yachting Cup 2024 - More inclusive than ever!

2024 Yachting Cup © Simone Staff photography

There's only one thing on our mind as the season changes to spring in San Diego. One critical event on our racing calendar in which the blooming wildflowers and bustling city front indicate it's presence. This anticipated, signature SoCal event is SDYC's spring staple: the Yachting Cup. The Yachting Cup, only days after San Diego Yacht Club's Opening Day, is one of the region's most welcoming regattas. And like the spring season, invites everyone to bask in it's sunlight.

This year, on May 3-5, an expected 60 boats will take to three venues, the city front course for "smaller" boats, the Bay to Coronado Roads course for Navigators and Classics, and the Pacific Ocean course for the "bigger" of the fleets. Using three separate courses during the event is a true testament to the inclusion of the Yachting Cup and its "come one, come all" mentality. The Yachting Cup is a celebration of yachting with a fun, yet equally as competitive personality.

The weekend starts off on Friday, May 3 with the Ton Cup, a traditional race to kick off the festivities. This is a casual race not counted towards your overall Yachting Cup results, and could be a good way to get out with your crew and practice. Traditionally, the Ton Cup was a random-leg race sailed in racers' own boats. This year, the event is being sailed right off the Club's dock in La Playa in SDYC's very own J/22s. This change in venue will be sure to make for great spectating! After the Ton Cup, competitors are welcomed back to the Club for a welcome party. Scored racing will begin on Saturday, May 4 with an 1135 Warning Signal on all courses.

The overall winner of last year's Yachting Cup was Chick Pyle's Beneteau 36.7 Kea. Pyle is always one of the first to register for the event. Joining Pyle on the entry list is 2022's overall winner Jim Bailey on 1D35 Destroyer.

"We are going to sail hard and have fun all at the same time. We've been doing some local races and doing some tune ups, and are mostly just looking forward to great competition and conditions," said Bailey.

The "overall winner" of the Yachting Cup is a unique challenge in that it is not solely based on scores, but also takes into account the quality of the competition in the class, and the number of entries in the class as well.

In the running for this year's Yachting Cup champion are several newcomers, including a whole new type of fleet, the J/24s.

When asked about their thoughts, quite a few J/24 sailors shared the same sentiment of excitement for the more inclusive regatta. First-time Yachting Cup competitor and J/24 skipper Mark Thaidigsman mentioned he is looking forward to the one design event and is hopeful that Yachting Cup can attract other boats outside of San Diego area to make it an even more interesting and challenging race.

Seasoned Yachting Cup skipper and current registrant John Laun on caper shared some insight for boats taking the course for the first time. "If you can't lay the Coronados on starboard track, go left."

New sailor or veteran skipper, the Yachting Cup is the place to be - on and off the water. If you haven't registered, you still have time. Enjoy tight competition on the Pacific, the unbeatable views of the city front and, of course, a Mount Gay cocktail (or two) at Saturday's traditional post-racing party.

The 2024 Yachting Cup is proudly sponsored by Ballast Point Brewing Company, First National Bullion, Mount Gay Rum, Graphix Group, Helly Hansen, Safe Harbor Marinas, South Coast Yachts and Bay Club Hotel and Marina.

Notice of Race available here.

For more information, please visit www.yachtingcup.com.