NYYC: Seeking a Few Great Yacht Clubs

(October 15, 2013) – In just its third running, the U.S. Qualifying Series for the New York Yacht Club Invitational Cup (USQS) has become one of the premier interclub regattas in the United States. The biennial event features amateur sailors from some of the country’s top yacht clubs sailing one-design keelboats and competing for the right to represent their club and country in the New York Yacht Club Invitational Cup presented by Rolex, the premiere international Corinthian one-design regatta.

The 2014 USQS is scheduled for Sept. 2 to 6, 2014, and will once again be sailed out of Harbour Court, the New York Yacht Club’s on-water clubhouse in Newport, R.I. The winning club will be awarded the Resolute Cup. The top three clubs will earn invitations to the 2015 Invitational Cup presented by Rolex, which will be sailed in Swan 42 yachts in September 2015.

The USQS will be sailed in provided boats with matched sails and equalized rig tuning. The specific boat for the USQS will be finalized shortly. Each team will be comprised of 3 to 4 crew, with a weight limit of 700 pounds.

Racing will take place Wednesday, Sept. 3, through Saturday, Sept. 6, with a practice day and Opening Reception on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2014. As with the Invitational Cup, the USQS is a Corinthian event; all competitors must be ISAF Category 1 sailors. Additionally, each must be a member in good standing of the club they represent.

“We are extremely proud of how clubs around the country have embraced the challenge of the U.S. Qualifying Series,” said Harry Dunning, the event chairman for the regatta. “We go to great lengths to provide as pure a one-design experience as possible on the water. Ashore, the social events feature the camaraderie that makes Corinthian sailing so enjoyable.”

The New York Yacht Club is in the process of gathering requests for information from any club interested in competing in the 2014 U.S. Qualifying Series and, ultimately, in the 2015 Invitational Cup presented by Rolex.

“While we do not expect to be able to accommodate all of the U.S. clubs that wish to participate,” said Dunning, “we do want to give all interested clubs the opportunity to express their interest in competing.”

The race documents for the 2012 USQS and 2013 Invitational Cup can be found on the NYYC website, and can provide a good guideline for the eligibility requirements. Interested clubs must confirm that they can comply with these requirements, particularly those regarding crew eligibility and sailing experience, for both regattas since the USQS is a qualifier for the Invitational Cup. The 2014 USQS Notice of Race will be provided to each club receiving an invitation so that they may make an informed decision whether to officially enter.

The request for information must be completed by Oct. 25, 2013. Invitations will be issued later this fall. The goal is to have the highest caliber fleet with the widest possible geographic representation.

Any questions regarding the selection process should be directed to the NYYC Sailing Office, sailingoffice@nyyc.org or 401-845-9633. For general information on the Invitational Cup presented by Rolex or the U.S. Qualifying Series, please contact Stuart Streuli, director of communications for the New York Yacht Club.

Report by Stuart Streuli, Communications Director, New York Yacht Club, streulis@nyyc.org