Sailboard pass the Maryland Dove during the Governor’s Cup race on the St. Mary’s River. Photo by PhotoBoat.
St. Mary’s City, MD — On Aug. 1, sailing enthusiasts from up and down the East Coast sailed into St. Mary’s City—from starting points in Annapolis, Md., Dahlgren, Va., and, for the first time this year, Mobjack Bay, Va.—for St. Mary’s College of Maryland’s Governor’s Cup Yacht Race. This year marked the 42nd running of the oldest and longest race down the Chesapeake Bay.
The Waldschmitt Trophy for Best in Fleet, which goes to the first-place finisher in the class with the shortest spread time between the first and fifth boats, was awarded to Himmel captained by Don Snelgrove. This was Himmel’s third year participating in Governor’s Cup. Himmel also took the first place finish in the PHRF A2 class, competing against 16 others in that class.
The crew of Himmel had a memorable race. Their asymmetric spinnaker arrived the morning of the race and they got it on just in time for the start. While the wind was lacking at the start, they reported good line position and a good start. At 10 p.m., they got into a starboard tack which, said Snelgrove, “we were able to hold for about six hours, and we passed 20 boats between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m.”
The race was completed in light westerly winds with 106 boats competing. Paul Parkes’ trimaran Sundog arrived at the dock first, at 2:29:27 a.m. It finished fifth in its Multihull A class. Jim Muldoon’s Donnybrook (PHRF AD class) arrived second to the dock.
View the preliminary results at www.smcm.edu/events/govcup
Following the race the party began on the St. Mary’s College waterfront. This year’s event featured a Crabfeast and Barbecue from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Vendors were spread out around the Waterfront Center selling race memorabilia along with food and drink.
Please enjoy the Photo Gallery from the race by PhotoBoat and also Dick Myers’ pictures from the waterfront activities.
Contact Dick Myers at dick.myers@thebaynet.com
