Age over Youth at the Ficker Cup

Scott Dickson and David Storrs defeated young challengers Harry Price and Nevin Snow in the semifinals of the 38th annual Ficker Cup held in Long Beach Friday through Sunday. The Ficker Cup is a Grade Two event in the World Match Racing Tour. Dickson, representing host Long Beach Yacht Club, went on to win the Ficker Cup trophy and a spot in the 53rd Congressional Cup. As first runner-up Storrs, from Pequot YC in Connecticut, also advanced to the Congo Cup, which will begin Wednesday and run through April 2.

"This was obviously a very special Ficker Cup to win; I’m very proud," Dickson said. The Ficker Cup was established by LBYC to honor Bill Ficker, who passed away on March 13 at age 89. Ficker won the Star Class World Championship in 1958 and helmed Intrepid to victory in the 1970 America’s Cup. Four years later, he won the Congressional Cup.

"It was fantastic having Sid Gathrid and David Storrs compete this year," said Dickson. "At 16 and 72 respectively, their age span is a commentary on how anybody can compete in an event like this." Dickson and Storrs will vie for the Congo Cup against 10 other top match-racing skippers, including the Aussie Harry Price and last year’s victor, Taylor Canfield from the US Virgin Islands. As it was for the Ficker Cup, the Belmont Pier will be open to spectators. The racing will also be streamed live at www.thecongressionalcup.com.