Baldwin Cup: Colorful Traditions Key to Success

Newport Harbor Yacht Club will again welcome 12 accomplished yacht clubs on April from the U.S. and the U.K. for the premier team racing regatta in the United States, the Baldwin Cup Team Race presented by JPMorgan Chase.

Begun in 2007, the three-day regatta showcases the sailing talent of international and national champions, America’s Cup crew members, and collegiate All-Americans. Sailors compete in over 100 races using a team format with four vs. four boats. Sailing in equalized Harbor 20s frequently less than 50 meters off the dock, the over 400 expected spectators see stellar views of the racing.

Consecutive two-time champion Team Thunder from Newport Harbor Yacht Club will be defending their title. JPMorgan Chase & Co. is returning as the presenting sponsor for the third consecutive year.

“In less than a decade, the Baldwin Cup has become an institution among national level team racers,” said event chairman and Newport Harbor Yacht Club Staff Commodore Bill Crispin. “It is one of the most sought after regatta invitations in the country. With its unconventional and complex racing structure combined with our best-in-class hospitality, the Baldwin Cup presents tactical challenges during every leg. With the insightful and engaging commentary from the on-site announcing team, Baldwin Cup captivates spectators—no matter what their level of sailing experience. We are honored to have JPMorgan Chase back as our presenting sponsor, especially in light of its founder J.P. Morgan’s passion for the sport and his involvement with the America’s Cup.”

This year’s participants include: Balboa Yacht Club (Corona del Mar, Calif.), Itchenor Sailing Club, (West Itchenor, United Kingdom), Larchmont Yacht Club (Larchmont, New York), New York Yacht Club (New York, New York), the St. Francis Yacht Club (San Francisco), Seattle Yacht Club (Seattle), San Diego Yacht Club (San Diego) Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club (Oyster Bay, New York), Southern Yacht Club (New Orleans), and the Yale Corinthian Yacht Club (New Haven, Conn.). In addition to Newport Harbor Team Thunder, the defending champion, NHYC Lightning will be the second home club team.

“The Baldwin Cup Team Race embraces a number of colorful traditions found only at this regatta that make this event truly unique,” continued Staff Commodore Crispin. “From Team uniforms consisting of loud blazers paired with bow ties, shorts with stars and stripes, large floating rubber ducks, and spontaneous comedy routines, it’s hard to match the camaraderie and the stories that competitors and spectators take home.”

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