2015 Governor's Cup

Sep 29, 2008
1,976
Catalina 310 #185 Quantico
Pretty awesome race this year. I recall there were about 120 boats total. They added a southern leg so the boats from Hampton and Norfolk could join in and 2 did - little disappointing.

You can see the race replays here. http://raceqs.com/regattas/smcm-governors-cup-yacht-race. FWIW, Rick Loheed did a great job organizing it this year.

On the Potomac we started with light winds from the East that built up after dark to 14-17 knots from the South and made for a great race. We finished 7th in spite of me running us aground for an hour trying to cut a point short - all in full view of the race committee boat for their entertainment.

Two notable highlights were I think I encountered one of the Southern boats (I think it was the Tripp 41) at the Potomac River mark and he was pretty fast - impressive. And then going up the St Mary's River fighting to do 3 knots in 5 knots of wind, got passed by Donnybrook USA66. Now that was impressive as she was probably doing 7 knots and blowing by everyone earning that -78 PHRF (yes you read that PHRF right).

So, where were the boats from Norfolk and Hampton?
 
Mar 21, 2004
2,175
Hunter 356 Cobb Island, MD
Good looking race. We were anchored in view of the finish. I was up at 3am and when Donnybrook crossed the line the cannon went off and jumped me. Was a good crowd. Also surprised on how many boats came in, dumped their crews and headed back out. Music was very good with a very low turn out to hear them. Rotary was serving up 'Sea Netles' of which I drank a bunch of....

Ray you were anchored not far from me. - Java

We were just finishing a 10 day sail around the middle bay. Now back home getting more chemo...
 
Sep 29, 2008
1,976
Catalina 310 #185 Quantico
Stalking

Jim, I am not sure who is stalking who as every time I have been below the 301 bridge I have heard you out and about on the radio. I apologize for not stopping by; just slipped my mind. Hope the chemo goes well as you are in all our thoughts.

Donnybrook adds to the fun as that boat is a total beast. They passed us heading up river like we were standing still. One could almost hear the drum beat like they used to have on the old Roman war galleys as they rowed up to ramming speed. They seemed to be flying 3 to 4 sails as well.

We need to work on the Southern Bay boats as it would be fun to have a race with 200 boats in it. :D
 
Oct 17, 2011
221
Catalina 310 USA
Yep, it was a good race, although a little boring compared to last year. I crew on magic dragon, a beneteau 447 in A1. We took first in class and second overall in corrected time. This was by far our best performance in the past 10+ years. I think the secret was that we jammed out to tunes all night....plus the beer didn't hurt :)