This week on the San Diego Yacht Club Sailcast, we have a very special episode featuring the 50th anniversary of the Yachting Cup with guests John Driscoll, Jeff Johnson, and Traci Miller.
John Driscoll
Staff Commodore Jerold Driscoll started the Yachting Cup 50 years ago. John tells the story of his father requesting a deed of gift and deciding on the logistics of the event like choosing a location and date in coordination with the Ensenada Race.
When asked by host Alli Bell how he thinks his father would feel about the current Yachting Cup, John answered, “I think he would be proud of it. The idea was to have as many people participating and enjoying the sport of yachting as possible.”
John discusses how it’s morphed over the years to move with the flow of interest in yachting, picking up on the current sailing and race committee is looking for.
John will be racing Chimaera, built in 1967, in this year’s Yachting Cup.
Jeff Johnson
Jeff joins this episode of the Sailcast with years of experience in the race, having been involved in many of the Yachting Cups both as a sailor and a race officer.
Jeff discusses San Diego’s sailing history, being a hub of the community. “It was a big time when the Yachting Cup started, and I think the industry and designing boats helped make Yachting Cup what it is today.”
The race and courses have evolved over the years. Jeff explains how the regatta has shifted over the years, explaining the variety of classes, but how the event is staying true to its roots.
He talks about the Ton Cup, which used to be a past fundraiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma society. Now, the Ton Cup is more of a “fun race” and a warm-up for the two days of Yachting Cup sailing.
Host Alli Bell asks Jeff if he recalls any exciting moments in the regatta over the years. He speaks of fatalities, ocean conditions, and different courses.
Jeff concludes by reviewing some of the details for this year’s Yachting Cup and gives advice for competitors, including seasoned crews, good starts, and the right attitude.
Traci Miller
Traci Miller, the chair of the Yachting Cup, brings some of the aspects of the original race to this year’s edition, including a new logo for the event that reflects the 1972 event.
With the past couple of years being “Covid Years” we are finally getting back to a more normal Yachting Cup. Traci explains some of the events on the schedule for the weekend, including the Mount Gay Lounge on Friday night, Saturday night’s music by Stylus Overhang, and the Ton Cup.
Traci thanks our sponsors, and especially Mount Gay Rum who really went out of their way to make this a banner year for the Yachting Cup. She reviews some of the steps in planning such a large event and the volunteers who help make it all happen.