Continuing its long-standing San Diego tradition, the 36th America’s Schooner Cup Charity Regatta will have some of the West Coast’s most beautiful traditional vessels hoist their sails and cross the starting line off Shelter Island between 11:30 a.m. and noon Saturday, April 6, for a good cause.
There are several classic regattas around the world from Antigua to les Voiles D’ Antibes but one regatta not to be missed on the West Coast is the iconic America’s Schooner Cup. If you are fortunate enough to view this regatta you will be surrounded by some of the best sailors in the world sailing pristine restored classic yachts like the 136-foot Bill of Rights built by McCurdy and Young in 1971 or Jerry and Marcia Newton’s lovely 30-foot Maid of Kent built in 1962.
One-hundred-year-old Quascilla is returning to the regatta this year, having been absent for renovation for a few years. Quascilla will be open for viewing on Friday, April 5, between 3-5 p.m. Built years ago, the survivors of that golden era are unmistakably classics.
Raymond Ashley, Ph.D., K.C.I., president/CEO of the Maritime Museum of San Diego, said, “More than any other type of vessel, the schooner has migrated from the pages of history and into the world of legend, art, and poetry that we all claim as part of our culture.”
The public is invited to watch the race from shore – or book a spot aboard the majestic schooner the Bill of Rights. The race will start and finish from the public beach on Shelter Island located directly across the street from Silver Gate Yacht Club, at 2091 Shelter Island Drive. The finish is expected to be between 3-4 p.m.
“The regatta draws schooners of all sizes and vintages racing on a course designed to make it easy for the public to watch the start and finish from Shelter Island,” said Jerry Newton a longtime regatta volunteer and schooner owner. “It’s fun for everyone, and the regatta has raised a significant amount of money over the years for our charity the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society.”
Lisa Clements, Regatta Chairperson, said, “Silver Gate Yacht Club is once again honored by hosting the 36th annual America’s Schooner Cup Charity Regatta. As many as nineteen schooners are expected this year, and the Intergalactic fleet will race in the Shelter Island Basin beginning at 12:30 p.m. New to the regatta is an additional Schooner Cup Junior Regatta, which will be an adult and a junior sailor sailing the Intergalactic schooners. This regatta will immediately follow the Intergalactic regatta.”
Maritime history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts are encouraged to join in on a fun day on the water. Tickets to sail aboard the Bill of Rights for the 2024 America’s Schooner Cup provide participants with a unique race experience that puts visitors right in the middle of the schooner action on-the-water. The Bill of Rights was constructed in 1971 in South Bristol Maine and has been a sailing vessel of speed, grace in sailing and lasting strength ever since. She carries 6,300 square feet of sails and can add additional sails as needed. Guests may purchase tickets for $65 including a snack and light lunch. Guests may purchase tickets from the Bill of Rights by going to SchoonerBillOfRights.com.
The America’s Schooner Cup Charity Regatta is hosted by the Silver Gate Yacht Club.
