Youth Serves Up a Win for Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club on Day 2 of Rolex NYYC Invitational Cup
The underdogs continue to give the established teams a run for their money at the Rolex New York Yacht Club Invitational Cup, the premiere international regatta for Corinthian sailors.
Today, it was Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club’s turn in the limelight as the crew, led by helmsman Peter Backe and wonderkid tactician Duncan Gregor, put forth a wire-to-wire win in the only race of the day. A mid-day frontal passage and accompanying lightning storm cut short the second day of racing.
“The breeze was far left during pre-race tuning, and I thought it would start clocking right,” said Gregor, the 18-year-old tactician. “It did do that but took a few steps to make it. The guys further forward than me did well. The boat was going quick, so well done to them.”
Also still in the limelight is Yacht Club Argentino at the head of the fleet. Led by helmsman Cristian Frers, the nephew of legendary yacht designer Germán Frers Jr., the Argentinians sailed a forgetful race, placing 17th. But since the fleet was turned upside down from yesterday, they kept their overall lead by 3 points over Royal Swedish Yacht Club. With a fifth today, San Diego Yacht Club returned to familiar territory on the overall podium in third. Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron and New York Yacht Club round out the top five.
Nineteen teams from 14 countries are on hand to race the eighth Rolex New York Yacht Club Invitational Cup, a biennial regatta hosted by the New York Yacht Club Harbour Court in Newport, R.I. Since the event was first run in 2009, it has attracted top amateur sailors from 51 of the world’s most prestigious yacht clubs from 22 countries.
After five editions in the Swan 42 class, the 2023 event will be the third sailed in the IC37, designed by Mark Mills. The strict one-design nature of this purpose-built class, combined with the fact that each boat is owned and maintained by the New York Yacht Club, ensures a level playing field not seen in any other amateur big-boat sailing competition. The regatta will run through Saturday, September 16. Racing started on Tuesday, September 12. A live broadcast on Facebook and YouTube, starting on Wednesday, September 13, will allow fellow club members, friends, family and sailing fans from around the world to follow the action as it happens.
Nineteen teams from 14 countries will compete in the 2023 Rolex New York Yacht Club Invitational Cup, which is brought to you by title sponsor Rolex and regatta sponsors Helly Hansen, Safe Harbor Marinas, Peters & May and Hammetts Hotel.
Overall results can be found here.
