SOLOMONS, Md. — The Southern Maryland Sailing Association (SMSA) brought victory — and trophies — home to Solomons last weekend after the annual Governor’s Cup Yacht Race.
The Governor’s Cup is an annual sailing race from Annapolis to Solomons. The race is hosted by St. Mary’s College of Maryland and features a 70-nautical-mile overnight race. The route goes from Annapolis, the current state capital, to Solomons, the colonial state capital, to celebrate the history of the state and its use of waterways for travel.
Of all the races SMSA members participate in throughout the year, Communications Chair Tim Flaherty said the Governor’s Cup is exciting because it’s been going on for 53 years and has lots of opportunities for people to connect throughout the weekend.
“The capitals being connected by water is really cool,” Flaherty said. “Back in the day that’s how you traveled between the two, so it has a really interesting historical aspect.”
According to Flaherty, five members of the organization placed in their races, and the ship Barba Roja, skippered by Steven Birchfield of St. Leonard, was awarded the prestigious Walt Schmidt Best in Fleet Trophy. This award goes to the ship and person who wins in the most challenging class category.
The Winners
Class CRCA Cruiser Barba Roja, First Place Winner, a Pearson 31 skippered by Steven Birchfield of St. Leonard, Md. Barba Roja won a class consisting of nine boats.
Class CRCA Racer Bad Cat, First Place Winner, a J-111 (36 feet in length) skippered by Jim Whited of Solomons, Md.
Class PHRF B/C Spinnaker Diablo, First Place Winner, a Dehler DB2 (33 feet in length), skippered by Russell Miller of Lexington Park.
Class PHRF Cruiser Celebration, Second Place Winner , a J-44 skippered by Ron Wilson of Carnegie, Pa.
Class PHRF B/C Spinnaker Red Baron, Third Place Winner, an Olsen 29, skippered by Dion Kolliopoulos of Hollywood, Md.
Flaherty said some association members race more than others, and different people approach the races more competitively. But the best part of events like the Governor’s Cup is the friendships among sailors and the people you meet.
“You meet a lot of people with similar interests in boats and sailing,” Flaherty said. “It’s a great way to build camaraderie and get to know people in the area.”
This is also true, Flaherty says, when you join a local group like SMSA. You’ll learn the sporting skills of sailing but also get life skills like problem-solving, working with a crew, and figuring out how to “make something move using nothing but nature’s gifts.”
SMSA operates out of Solomons and works to promote sailing as a pastime. The association offers social activities like cruises, as well as sailing lessons and summer camps. They also host weekly races throughout the sailing season and sponsor the Patuxent High School Sailing Team.
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