Chris Raab and his crew from St. Francis Yacht Club showered champagne on an 85-year-old dry spell after crossing the finish line for the 100th Lipton Cup Challenge. The three-day regatta was a true test of skill, with competitors completing a full rotation through 12 chartered J/105s in conditions that ranged from strong, full winds to shifty, unpredictable breezes. While teams like Newport Harbor excelled in the lighter winds, St. Francis demonstrated their versatility by competing well throughout the range of wind conditions.
If it wasn’t for the iconic city front, it would be hard to believe the full, soaring sails of the 100th Lipton Cup regatta belonged to the same venue as yesterday. If day one was the calm, then today was certainly the storm as steady winds brought a flurry of heated competition to the San Diego Bay. Winds averaged between 12 and 14 kts, but at times reached up to 19 kts, allowing competitors to showcase their skill sailing in full winds.
The first day of the 100th Lipton Cup felt every bit the phrase “calm before the storm.” The shifting winds were light, but proved to be a heavy challenge to the 12 J/105s racing on San Diego Bay. Jon Pinckney and his crew from Newport Harbor Yacht Club were up for the task, finishing the day with a total of 10 points in order to secure the day’s first place overall position.
"It is no less important to the Commodore as air or water," said Staff Commodore of the San Diego Yacht Club Chuck Nichols. The Lipton Cup is arguably one of the most iconic regattas in the sailing community. This three-day regatta is an invitation-only event where the best sailors from around the country compete to represent their yacht clubs. For the Commodores of these Yacht Clubs, winning the Lipton Cup for their club is often considered the highest accolade they can accomplish.
If you haven’t watched the Lipton Cup competition in recent years, your first reaction might be to yell “Fire!” because it can only be described as a fire drill. Hectic, close, boat on boat action on the race course separated by crazy musical chair flurries between races by the crews.
When I walk into the SDYC lobby I am stunned by the beauty and craftsmanship embodied in the Lipton Cup. Looking closely, you can find a record of 110 years of competition including the names of the yachts which have won.
The beautiful silver challenge cup presented to the Corinthian Yacht Club of San Diego by Sir Thomas Lipton is undoubtedly the most artistic trophy ever owned by a Pacific Coast yacht club.
