World-class match racing comes to Annapolis’ doorstep May 26 – 30 when the top international women match racers are scheduled to compete in the 18th Annual BoatU.S. Santa Maria Cup. Hosted by Eastport Yacht Club and sponsored by Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) , the regatta is a must-enter for women competing in match racing, a fast-paced duel between two sailboats that often sees the winner crossing the finish line just inches ahead of the challenger.
“You can’t muscle through this race and expect to win,” said BoatUS Vice President of Government Affairs Margaret Podlich. “It’s all about tactics and finesse — racers have to know how to gain the slightest edge, consistently, to come out on top. It’s really exciting to see how these women pull off a victory.”
Each skipper leads a hand-picked crew of three. Over the course of three days a series of round-robin heats, each lasting about 15 minutes, will determine who goes to the finals on Saturday, May 30. Unlike sailing races where big budgets and expensive hi-tech boats can have an advantage, these match racers will take to the Chesapeake Bay course in identical J-22 (22-foot) sailboats.
Racers accepting invitations will be announced March 30. For more information go to SantaMariaCup.org.
About BoatU.S.:
BoatU.S. – Boat Owners Association of The United States – is the nation’s leading advocate for recreational boaters providing its 600,000 members with government representation, programs and money saving services. For membership information visit BoatUS.com or call 800-395-2628.
About Eastport Yacht Club:
Located on the Severn River in Annapolis, Maryland this small club of 600 members is recognized around the yacht-racing world as a leader in race management. In addition to the BoatU.S. Santa Maria Cup, in 2009 the club will also host the Melges 24 World Championships and seven other major regattas. Additional information about the club is available at EastportYC.org.