By Christine Weaver | May 1, 2023 | San Diego, CA | 1
On April 1, 15 schooners competed in the America’s Schooner Cup in San Diego. Silver Gate Yacht Club hosts the event as a fundraiser for the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society. Such a glorious display of nautical tradition attracts some of the area’s best marine photographers, and we received several batches of luscious photos. Although we gave the regatta a respectable amount of ink in the May issue, out today, we just couldn’t leave so much more gorgeousness on the figurative cutting-room floor. So we’re sharing a batch of images here for your enjoyment, and to remind you to see the May issue of Latitude 38 to see much more and read the details of the competition.
The schooner America is a replica of the famous yacht that won a certain race around the Isle of Wight in 1851 and got her name engraved on a certain Cup. The original America was destroyed during World War II. This replica was built in 1995. Learn more about her at https://nextlevelsailing.com/yacht-america.
Racing on more protected waters inside San Diego Bay were three Intergalactic schooners — just 10-ft long! This one is Pacifier. The 12 bigger schooners competed in three classes, sailing past Point Loma and out onto the ocean.
This lovely schooner, sailing out to sea past Point Loma, is Richard Straman’s Astor. She turned 100 years old this year, and celebrated her centennial by competing in her old stomping grounds following a lengthy tour of the globe. She was built in Scotland by Fife & Sons.
To learn more about the participating tall ships and yachts, go to www.americasschoonercup.com. The site was temporarily down this week, so if you get a “404” error warning, try again in a few days. Wayne Ettel posted a great video of the America’s Schooner Cup in a recent newsletter of the Maritime Preservation Trust. You can view it here: https://us18.campaign-archive.com/?u=506392c9f58fe88541dbc038e&id=3a75d6f60f.
Glad to see the Maid of Kent win overall honors. A lovely boat and lovely owners.