This year’s Governor’s Cup was destined to be a success because of it’s 50th anniversary. Team SDYC was honored to be invited to the match racing regatta which included the current Youth Match Racing world champion, the world #4 match racer, and three past champions of the Governor’s Cup!
Despite the competitiveness of the event, SDYC felt confident with it’s starstudded team of Nevin Snow, Scott Sinks, Rebecca McElvain and Chuck Eaton. They practiced hard throughout the summer with expert SDYC match racer Steve Hunt and felt confident going into Day 1.
This event marked the inaugural event for the Governor’s Cup 22s. With no backstay and a larger mainsail, Team SDYC worked hard on their boathandling, emphasizing hiking trimming tight and powering the boat around the race course.
Days 1 through 3 were the double rounds robin of the format. Team SDYC leaned heavily on the consistency of their fleet racing skills to come away with a 202 record in this stage. This put them comfortably into first place for the semifinal pairings. SDYC selected Balboa Yacht Club’s home team as their opponent in the semifinals. A matchup that they won 2 - 0.
The finals were set between Snow of SDYC and Gilmour of Royal Freshwater Bay, Australia. The two had met previously in the finals of the World University Games, the finals of the 2014 Governor’s Cup, and the semifinals of the previous two ISAF Youth Worlds. These matches were always tight and this one would be too.
In a 13 knot southerly, SDYC again leaned on fleet racing in the first race of the finals. Staying in contact with Gilmour up the beats, but always favoring breeze tactics as opposed to boat-to-boat
tactics. This resulted in a relatively smooth Race 1 win. Race 2 was a different story, as Gilmour won the start and lead through the first downwind leg. SDYC used the leeward mark to capitalize on a slow rounding by Gilmour, and sailed through his leeward side to gain control of the favored leftside of the race course. This would prove to be the race/series/regatta winning move that propelled Team SDYC to the top of the podium!
As it always is, the 50th Governor’s Cup was an amazing experience for Team SDYC and all of the sailors. We are extremely fortunate to have such great support and glad to make San Diego Yacht Club proud on the international level.