Teams ready to race in 42nd Governor’s Cup

NEWPORT BEACH — Twelve teams of young sailors begin the quest for the 42nd Governor’s Cup with practicing today.

One of the teams, Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club, is from Perth, Australia. Upon arrival, the club’s three sailors’ first interest was to see the Governor’s Cup 21 boats, the boats they will be racing in for the competition to be held in the ocean near the Newport pier.

Andrew Rose, a former Governor’s Cup two-time winner, picked up the Australian sailors by boat Balboa Yacht Club. Rose also gave them a tour of Newport Harbor and showed them his home across the bay.

This year’s Governor’s Cup features sailors from different parts of the world. Yet, a team of sailors close to home will most likely have all eyes on them.

The Newport Harbor Yacht Club, led by Michael Meninger, will attempt to defend its Governor’s Cup. The NHYC, which also includes Cole Hatton and Chris Barnard, are trying to join seven other two-time victors in the Cup’s long history.

— From staff reports