The America’s Schooner Cup Charity Regatta, established in 1988, is an annual event that takes place March 28 in San Diego Bay to benefit the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, a civilian organization that provides support to active duty and retired Navy, Marines and their families in time of need. One of the best places to view the event, which starts about 11:30 a.m., is from Shelter Island. An informal Schooner Cup Ball will take place at the Silver Gate Yacht Club, located at 2091 Shelter Island Drive, on the evening of Friday, March 27. A dozen or more boats will come from as far north as Puget Sound. The event is hosted by Silver Gate Yacht Club and supported by Ensign International Yacht Brokerage.
The coveted Schooner Cup is awarded to the first to finish on corrected time regardless of boat length. This is the West Coast’s premier gathering of these historical schooners of all sizes. This year, people may be purchase tickets to be a passenger on the schooners Californian or Bill of Rights as they race down the Bay.
The 145-foot schooner Californian is California’s official State Tall Ship. To be a passenger on this ship, be at the Maritime Museum’s dock downtown at 10:30 a.m. Passengers may assist in raising the sails. For tickets, visit sdmaritime.org/schooner-cup/ or call (619) 234-9153.
The Bill of Rights is a 136-foot replica of a 19th century coastal schooner. For tickets and information, squareup.com/market/south-bayfront-sailing-association or call (619) 500-2419.
As a passenger, you’ll cross the starting line and enjoy a one-of-a-kind race out the bay and back. For more information on America’s Schooner Cup, visit americasschoonercup.weebly.com/.