TERRANCE PHILLIPS -- The Harbor Column

TERRANCE PHILLIPS

It’s been a long time since Ronald Reagan held the position of

governor of this fine state. Even though he will always be recognized as

a very successful politician, around the Balboa Yacht Club he’ll be

remembered for the famous Governor’s Cup.

On June 12, 1967, then-Gov. Reagan placed his stamp of approval on a

trophy that has since resided in the lobby of Newport’s second-oldest

yacht club. The Governor’s Cup recognizes the future of sailing and is

awarded to sailors under the age of 20. In 1989, the race for the Cup

took on an international flavor as sailors from all over the world began

to compete in the prestigious, invitational event.

In this year’s race, 22 boats were considered for entry in a race that

is open to only 12 teams. Local teams from the Balboa Yacht -- Carson

Reynolds, Kathy Hughes and Ryan Mulvania -- and Newport Harbor -- Tyler

Haskell, Gary Grimes and J.M. Modeisette -- will compete.

Defending champions from the King Harbor Yacht Club, as well as the

California Yacht Club, Coronado Yacht Club, Alamitos Yacht Club and

Mission Bay Yacht Clubs will also represent the Golden State.

Sailors from Mystic River Sailing Assn. in Connecticut and Pleon Yacht

Club in Marblehead, Mass., will round out the pack of U.S. teams.

The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron from Auckland, New Zealand, and

the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Squadron, along with the Newport Beach New

South Wales Yacht Squadron from Australia, also will be present.

Each three-member team will race Santana 20s with open transoms. The

identically equipped boats are donated for the event by local owners.

What makes racing boats somewhat unusual, as compared to other sports,

is that out-of-town teams become guests of their competitors or members

of the host yacht club. Several teams and their families are guests in

many Balboa Yacht Club member homes.

The top two finishing U.S. teams will receive invitations to the Royal

New Zealand Yacht Squadron’s Coca-Cola Cup to be held later this year in

Auckland.

Much like a governor who aspires to one day become president, these

young sailors aspire to excel in their quest for trophies, cups, gold

medals, the thrill of victory and the agony of the fleet.

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TERRANCE PHILLIPS is the Daily Pilot’s boating writer. You can leave a

message for him at (949) 642-6086 or via e-mail at

dailypilot@latimes.com.