Tenth Year of College Keelboat Event

From March 10 to 12, the Port of Los Angeles Harbor Cup 2017 will celebrate its tenth year as one of the preeminent intercollegiate sailing events in the nation – and now, with the entry of a team from Ireland, enjoy international distinction as well.

Since 2008, the California State University Maritime Academy (Cal Maritime), Port of Los Angeles, and Los Angeles Yacht Club have hosted this invitational one-design regatta in the challenging waters of the LA waterfront.

Invitations are highly coveted for a chance to win the Port of Los Angeles Harbor Cup perpetual trophy, which was deeded to encourage young men and women to enjoy the benefits of competitive sailing. College level regattas are typically sailed in small one- or two-person dinghies in protected waters. The Port of Los Angeles Harbor Cup provides a rare opportunity for big boat, offshore racing, with large competitive co-ed teams.

This year’s lucky invitees include Cal Maritime, Maine Maritime Academy, US Coast Guard Academy, US Naval Academy, University of South Florida, and the University of Southern California; in addition to the University of California Santa Barbara, Oregon State University, and the Cork Institute of Technology, making their debuts in the event.

Last year the College of Charleston Cougars turned the tables on Cal Maritime’s Keelhaulers, who had dominated the podium with a five-year winning streak. With the return of two other past champions – Maine Maritime and USC – competition promises to be thrilling and intense.

Races are held outside of the Los Angeles breakwater adjacent the iconic Angels Gate Lighthouse, aboard a fleet of matched 37-foot Catalina sailboats, identically rigged and maintained to promote the fairest possible competition. The event commences Friday afternoon March 10 and continues through Sunday, March 12, with evening activities at Los Angeles Yacht Club at 285 Whalers Walk in San Pedro.

Event details – Facebook

Source: Betsy Crowfoot