Islands International Challenge Cup

The home team, Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club, won the Islands International Challenge Cup for two boat team racing. Their team led by commodore Hugh Jones was tied on ten wins with England’s Royal Yacht Squadron, but took the trophy on a count back. Racing in Sonars was held October 1-3 in Oyster Bay, New York.

Chris Hogan led the Royal Perth Yacht Club team to third place with six wins. This is the best result for the newly formed team racing squad for the former holders of the America’s Cup.

The event was blighted by foul weather, which led to a much curtailed series. With a brutal weather forecast, the race committee pushed the schedule on the first day getting three round robins completed.

An attempt was made to run a further round robin on day two, but after two heats in up to 20 knots, the wind built to 35 knots and racing was abandoned. No racing was possible on the third and final day, so the results from the end of day one decided the event.

This was the twentieth running of this strictly amateur regatta, which is hosted by one of the friendliest yacht clubs in the world. It is in a magnificent setting on the shores of Oyster Bay, Long Island, and has a splendid history of hosting international events.

Past winners of this event include the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club, Sint Maarten Yacht Club and teams from Cowes made up of members of the Royal Yacht Squadron and Daring class sailors.

Final Results
1. Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club (USA)
2. Royal Yacht Squadron (United Kingdom)
3. Royal Perth Yacht Club (Australia)
4. Sint Maarten Yacht Club (Sint Maarten)
5. Yacht Club Punta del Este (Uruguay)

Event website

Report by John Roberson