ISLANDS RACE NEWS

San Diego Yacht Club has won the 108th Sir Thomas Lipton Challenge Cup! The defending champs were determined to hold tight to the cup and they did just that in final moments of the regatta. Marking the sixth win for skipper Tyler Sinks and his crew including Adam Roberts, Jake La Dow, Brad Rodi, Lucy Wallace, Max Hutcheson, and Nick Kaschak.

Heading into the final day of racing Newport Harbor Yacht Club led by a narrow three point lead. Both SDYC and NHYC knew that all eyes were on them and they had moments of the day that felt like they were matchracing each other, not the rest of the fleet. And rightly so, after all, over the past nine years the Lipton Cup has traded hands between these two clubs four times. Their competitive rivalry at this event is unrivaled.

As day two of the Sir Thomas Lipton Cup Challenge commenced, everyone was hopeful that today would be their day. With two thirds of the regatta left to sail, teams planned their attack to move up the board. However, it was Newport Harbor Yacht Club (NHYC) that had laser focus on what continues to be the most critical component this regatta... consistency.

With four consecutive second place finishes, NHYC dominated the day. Throughout the rest of the fleet we saw highs and lows from nearly every crew. There are no small mistakes at Lipton Cup because in a fleet this competitive an OCS, prematurely extending the bowsprit or accidentally kissing the mark can dash your hope of winning. Minimizing the number of mistakes was certainly the name of the game and no one did it better than NHYC today.

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.

The 108th Challenge for the Sir Thomas Lipton Challenge Cup, San Diego Yacht Club’s signature fall regatta, returns October 27-29, 2023. Named for the historic yachtsman and tea baron, Sir Thomas Lipton, the Lipton Cup allows yacht club teams to face off to determine who is the best of the best. It is the most prestigious trophy contested in Southern California and one of the most coveted on the West Coast since 1903.

The 2023 Lipton Cup invites twelve yacht club’s around the world to send Corinthian teams to compete for the coveted Lipton Cup trophy in rotating J/105s on San Diego Bay. Find all the links to follow the action online via the website, photos, video, social media and more.