This weekend marks the 50th anniversary of the California Cup Regatta, hosted by the California Yacht Club of Marina del Rey. Cal Cup has taken many different forms over the years, but it has always drawn the best-of-the-best to Santa Monica Bay, competing to have their names engraved on the prestigious California Cup. The racing will feature the classic West Coast 70's (or "sleds") for the seventh straight year, as well as the exciting Farr 40 yachts.
Among the Farr 40's will be local favorite, "Dark Star," skippered by Jeff Janov of C.Y.C., Newport Harbor Yacht Club's, "Wild Thing," skippered by Rhonda Tolar and Chris Raab, and Long Beach Yacht Club's "Temptress," skippered by Ray Godwin. The Farr 40's will sail a windward/leeward course on the bay on Saturday and Sunday and the competition should be intense, with tight mark roundings and close quarters sailing if the wind gods cooperate.
The five West Coast 70's competing on Saturday will sail random leg courses and buoy races on Sunday. They should be a beautiful sight on the bay. The 70's include the late Roy Disney's "Pyewacket," King Harbor Yacht Club's Santa Cruz 70, "Grand Illusion," skippered by Edward McDowell, the Andrews 68, "Alchemy," from Oceanside Yacht Club, skippered by Per Peterson, "Maverick," another Santa Cruz 70 from C.Y.C., skippered by Chris Slagerman, and "Taxi Dancer," a bright yellow Reichel Pugh 68 from the Santa Barbara Yacht Club that was last year's winner.
Depending upon conditions, both Venice and Santa Monica piers should be good viewing locales. If you are out on the water, give the racers plenty of room. For a close-up look at all the boats as they exit and return to Marina del Rey, you may want to try the north jetty on Via Marina. Or jump on your bike and pedal up the south jetty. They should be going out between 10am and 12pm and returning around 4pm.
