Port of Los Angeles Harbor Cup

POLA Harbor Cup Day 1

Idyllic conditions greeted the fleet of the 16th annual Harbor Cup Regatta organized by the Port of Los Angeles, Los Angeles Yacht Club and California State University Maritime Academy. Ten teams from across the nation enjoyed brisk competition and steady breeze averaging 12 knots, with the mild sea state building into choppy seas by the end of the day. Following several practice starts, LAYC organizers pulled off a trio of thrilling races on the first of three days of this preeminent intercollegiate sailing event. Topping the chart after three tight races were the College of Charleston Cougars, with two bullets sandwiching a slight hiccup in Race Two. The Navy Midshipmen and USC Trojans remained tied just one point astern. All three of these teams have won this regatta in the past, yet the fleet promises a stiff contest as the best sailors from the top universities and institutions face off throughout the weekend. Racing continues Saturday and Sunday, in a battle for the coveted POLA Harbor Cup.

Betsy Crowfoot-Senescu

Following a brief postponement as the westerly settled in, the LAYC Race Committee commenced with the first race of Day Two of the 2024 Port of Los Angeles Harbor Cup regatta. Winds that began at eight to 10 knots built throughout the day and so did the sea state, with the RC lengthening the course to accommodate the increasing speeds. With the top half of the fleet so closely matched, the leaderboard was in constant flux. Every team had their moment in the sun. UCSD, who sat in last place after Day One, got a bullet out of the gate on Day Two. By the end of the day, having completed five more grueling races in the stiff breeze and chop, three teams rose to the top. Univ. of Southern California leads with 27 points, US Naval Academy follows at 28, with Maine Maritime just one point astern. With two more races scheduled for tomorrow, the leaderboard shuffle is bound to continue.

Betsy Crowfoot Senescu

After a 15-year hiatus, Maine Maritime Academy returned to the winners circle at the POLA Harbor Cup, capturing the title after a grueling three-day, ten-race regatta. Racing commenced Friday March 8 with steady breezes and moderate chop ideal for sailing the Catalina 37 fleet. Racing takes place off Pt. Fermin, giving the co-eds rousing offshore sailing conditions. College of Charleston took an early lead on day one, with Navy and USC tight astern. Conditions intensified Saturday, with Maine Maritime edging out the Cougars in a grueling five races. But racing on the final day of commenced in a lighter breeze, giving the ten teams a new challenge. USC’s consistent performance saw them clinging to the top of the leaderboard in the penultimate race, but also succumbed to Maine Maritime in the final match. The team credited crew work, positive attitude and communication with helping ace the win. The prior evening racers had been treated to a stirring presentation by sailing icon Roy P. Disney, who introduced himself as ‘Owner/Grinder’ of Pyewacket. Sunday night’s prizegiving was more raucous, as 100 tired but elated competitors and coaches enjoyed food, chatter and hospitality at LAYC.

Betsy Crowfoot Senescu

The following chart shows the relative rank of the teams as of the race indicated. Note that the races are ordered by number, then division, which may not represent the order in which the races were actually sailed.

The first place team as of a given race will always be at the top of the chart. The spacing from one team to the next shows relative gains/losses made from one race to the next. You may hover over the data points to display the total score as of that race.