Races

In addition to the Championship Series, the Club has over the years developed a separate program consisting of twenty traditional races. These have become a permanent feature of the racing scene on the Monterey Bay. The following gives some information on the origin of these special races.

Ano Nuevo Race (1963) – For many years, this was the Club’s only long-distance ocean race; its original eighty-mile course was from Monterey to Point Ano Nuevo and back. The course was shortened several years ago by having the competitors start in Santa Cruz.. The originators were Harvey Kilpatrick, Jimi Womble and John Neighbours. It is usually held in the middle of March.
Chowder Cup (2003) – Under a similar format as above, Niels Andrews and David Addleman collaborated on this series of winter races for PHRF and one-design fleets. For the first season, Hula’s Restaurant provided prizes in the form of gift certificates to the winners.
Christmas Race (1973) - Bob Allan also originated this annual race, normally sailed on the Sunday between Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Commodores’ Regatta (1978) - This two-day event involves sailing to and from Stillwater Cove (Pebble Beach), and was conceived by T. Arnold Smith. The Regatta honors the past Commodores whose hard work and dedication helped build the Club.
Crew’s Revenge Race (1987) - This race was conceived by members, Lee (Sam) Fleming (Fleetwood), Greg Cailliet, and John & Maria Anderson (prior owners of the Sandbar & Grill, the former race sponsor) - the concept being to allow one of the deserving crew on each yacht to become the skipper. Besides the usual trophies, there is also one for the “Most Obnoxious Crew” (one of the regular skippers), decided by popular vote.
Dolphin Cup Regatta (1985) – Once called the Plaza Cup, in the early years of this prestigious invitational regatta we co-hosted with the Monterey Plaza Hotel. Although that part has changed, the format of his two-day regatta has stayed the same and features one-design fleets. Many of those fleets have used this regatta as a forum for their National Championship Series.
Double-Handed Race (1995) - The idea for this invitational race originated from the racers of MPYC, organized by Bruce Becker, and sponsored by the Monterey Peninsula Yacht Club. With only two sailors on board each yacht, the race starts from “G” buoy, rounds MBARI buoy “R”, then goes to Moss Landing “A” buoy, then returns to Monterey to finish between “F” buoy and the end of Municipal Wharf No. 2. It is a 35 NM race and it is always fast and fun. Alan Silvestri donated the perpetual trophy.
Fiasco Race (1965) - This race immediately follows the Fall Series. This unique race is notorious for its unusual race instructions, which may or may not further the art of sailing.
Junior Club Championship (1978) - This is an annual championship race that was traditionally sailed in Lasers. Even though, over the years, the choice of boats has changed to FJ’s and Optimist Dinghies this series of races still determines the official Club Junior Champion(s) for the year.
Ladies Race (1966) - Initiated by Inge Stuber, the first president of the Spinnakers.
Lefler Race (1964) - Originated to commemorate a past member, Jerry Lefler, this race is normally sailed in mid-spring. The course runs from MPYC’s “H” Buoy out around Point Pinos Buoy down to Cypress Point Buoy and back to Monterey.
Long-distance Single-handed Race (1988) - Conceived by Gene Maly with the help of Allan Patterson, it is normally sailed in July. This challenging course starts at Monterey Mile Buoy, takes Research Buoy to starboard on the way to Santa Cruz Mile Buoy, and then back to Monterey “F” mark.
Luke's Regatta (1995) – Organized by his grandaughter, Elisabeth Chandler, the last Shields races of the year are a 3 race series to honor Albert Lukavich on his birthday. Artist Gregory Hawthorne of Big Sur created the perpetual trophy.
One-Design Midwinters (1992) - Conceived by Jack Allen as a one-design series for Santa Cruz 27s around Monterey Bay. This series was also open to other one-design fleets if they had four or more boats. Traditionally, this was raced on four Saturdays between November and February and provided some winter racing (like the Perry Cup for Mercurys) between racing seasons.
Orrik Regatta (1973) - This series of team races between MPYC and the Navy Sailing Association was conceived by Robert “Bob” Allan, Jr,. The Perpetual Trophy honors Capt. David Orrik who, with Bob, was responsible for the organization of the Navy Club.
Paisano Race (1963) - The “World’s Shortest Ocean Race” is an annual classic for El Toro dinghies, dreamed up by Ed Manning. First sponsored by Paisano Wine, the race starts at Lover’s Point Beach (Pacific Grove) and ends at Monterey Beach next to the Municipal Wharf – with an interesting stop along the way. Each team, selected randomly, consists of one guy and one gal.
Perry Cup Series (1970) - The first Saturday of each month, November through February, is the winter Mercury Class Championships named in memory of Tom Perry who died that year.
Single-handed Race (1966) - Harvey Kilpatrick was the perpetrator of this annual classic! He and Pat Patterson (then Rear Commodore) designed the unspeakable trophy, which is always discreetly covered by a black cloth! Unfortunately, the original trophy was tucked under a table and left behind at a Commodore’s Ball, never to be seen again. Thanks to Allan Patterson for replacing the trophy by having a new one cast.
Spinnaker Cup (1998) – The idea of this of 90 mile downwind run from San Francisco to Monterey grew out of an association between Donna Womble, Betty & Don Lessley, Doug Storkovich and the YRA of S.F., becoming part of the Offshore YRA series. Three years ago SFYC came on board as a co-host and it’s been a great relationship ever since.
Tune-Up Race (Originated 1967) - The first race of the year, held in mid-February. Conceived by T. Arnold Smith as a shakedown race to prepare for the new racing season.
Veeder Cup Trophy (1963) - This is a two-day match racing event usually sailed in September. Basically, it is a contest to crown the racing champion of Monterey Bay. Mrs. Grace Veeder, an active member of the Stillwater Yacht Club, was the originator in conjunction with her grandson, Tim Condon, a past commodore of the Stillwater Yacht Club. Only Carmel and Monterey Bay yacht clubs are eligible to participate in this challenge cup.