The Event
The Santa Maria Cup is one of the premier women's match racing regattas in the world. Hosted annually by Eastport Yacht Club in Annapolis, Maryland, the event brings together top women sailors from around the globe to compete in head-to-head racing on the Chesapeake Bay.
As part of the Women's World Match Racing Tour, the Santa Maria Cup offers competitors the chance to earn valuable ranking points while showcasing their skills in one of America's great sailing venues.
How Match Racing Works
Like the America's Cup, match racing pits two boats against each other in direct competition. Unlike the America's Cup, the Santa Maria Cup provides sailors with equalized boats, making it a pure test of sailing ability rather than design or development.
The objective is simple: be the first to cross the finish line. But there are caveats - the team must have no outstanding penalties, must have started correctly, sailed the course, and complied with all requirements.
With evenly matched boats and crews, a good start usually wins the race. However, the downwind finish provides opportunities to work the wind angles - a small lead doesn't always guarantee victory.
The Course
The race course is a windward-leeward layout with a combined start/finish line at the leeward end. Each race covers two laps, with course length adjusted for approximately 15-minute races. Six races make up one flight, with all teams racing and pairs starting at five-minute intervals.
The Pre-Start
Teams enter the starting area from above the line, each from a different side of the course. They dive through the start line four minutes before their signal, then begin their intricate tactical ballet.
During the Race
On upwind legs, the leading team positions herself to neutralize wind shifts or uses "dirty wind" to slow her opponent. Tactical positioning is everything.
Rule Adjudication
Umpires decide rule infractions when competitors request it by waving a 'Y' flag (red and yellow diagonal stripes). Umpires work in pairs aboard quick powerboats, making real-time calls.
The Finish
The first team across the finish line wins - provided they've taken all their penalties.