This years Yachting Cup was my first since I was about 16 and I raced on a NY 36. A lot has changed since then, boats are faster, sails are different, I have some grey hair and Yachting Cup was windy! The typical light wind venue was nothing of the sort as Saturday saw puffs in the 20kt range. 85 boats competed over 3 courses in their respective classes. The ocean hosted two courses and the south bay made held the third.
Saturday saw heavy winds, big seas, and lots of carnage. The ocean conjured up some great racing and wild mark roundings. Between shrimped, blown out, and twisted sails we actually got some racing in. Pendragon received the award for most unlucky when they caught an underwater cable after rounding the leeward mark. The TP 52's were strutting their stuff in the big wind and consistency paid off as Mayhem was quickly becoming the boat to beat. It's OK. Blue Blazes and Staghound were all closely situated for the final day.The Farr 40 fleet was extremely close. Dark Star won the day and led Piranha going into Sunday's final two races. Flying Tiger's saw two Ullman boats leading the was as Niuhi and Mile High Klub were well ahead of the pace.
PHRF I was ever so tight as we came into the final two races. It's OK managed to hang on for the victory as Staghound finished second and Blue Blazes third.
J-120 fleet was dominated by the Ullman powered Caper as they cruised to an easy victory.
In the J-105 fleet Wings lost out in a nail biter to place second in the highly competitive fleet. Wings uses 100% Ullman inventory.Schock 35 fleet was dominated by Ullman customers with Code Blue coming out on top of the classic fleet.
Great weekend, good weather and a fun party made this a memorable event for all who participated.
Thanks to Bronny Daniels for the pictures.
