By Rachel Kennett
After the wild and windy adventure of 2023, this year’s Governor’s Cup brought a welcome shift to calmer conditions. On Saturday, Nov 23, the sun was shining, the breeze was gentle, and racers approached the day with optimism—though some needed a tow (I’m guilty) from the mark set boat to reach the starting line in the light air.
Race PRO Bruce Andress had planned a triangle course with hopes of running two races: starting at the line, heading to an offset mark, and then rounding the north and south marks before going again. But the light wind had other ideas. Instead, the race was shortened, finishing at the south mark after a single lap. At times, I found myself mixed up with large multihulls and surprisingly close to the Lasers. That is, until I glanced back at one point and saw them silhouetted in the distance near the ranger station!
Despite the light breeze, we all managed to trickle into the finish line in under three hours, with Mike Hester on his Viper 640 leading the pack. About an hour and a half into the race, just as Mike crossed the finish, the wind finally picked up a few knots, giving the rest of us a welcome push to the line. From my position in the back of the fleet, I had a great view of the race. Tom Sinnickson took the multihull win in 2 hours and 1 minute on his Hobie 18, sailing as he always does—with a big smile.
A Day of Balance and Strategy
Unlike last year’s chaos, this year’s low wind gave the monohulls a rare chance to stick close to their multihull counterparts—a true test of light-air sailing finesse. The calm conditions emphasized tactics and technique over sheer boat-handling strength, and sailors rose to the challenge by focusing on trimming their sails, adjusting weight distribution, and catching every whisper of breeze.
The camaraderie on the water was evident, with sailors cheering each other on and shouting tips for coaxing every tiny bit of speed out of their boats. Those boats with spinnakers were the envy of all. This shared challenge brought the fleet together, reminding everyone of the skills and patience required for light-air sailing.
Back ashore, we all rushed to Court’s house for a fabulous party, and the day ended with laughter and awards. The Governor’s Cup is huge! The slower pace of the race may have reduced the adrenaline rush, but it only amplified the enjoyment of the shared experience. The 2024 Governor’s Cup reminded us why we sail: for the challenge, the community, and the peaceful moments on the water that make it all worthwhile.
Thank you, Bruce, for a well-executed race, and thank you, Court, for the after-race party!
Click here to review the Results Page
Monohulls
1st: Nectar Sled (Viper 640) – Mike Hester
2nd: Dreamline (J/92) – David Newland
3rd: Watercolors (Santana 20) – Martin Lorch
Multihulls
1st: Hobie 18 (12884) – Tom Sinnickson
2nd: Grumpy T (Hobie 16) – Tony Krauss
3rd: Monsoon (Corsair F-27) – Chuck Sears