ST. MARY'S CITY, Md. (Aug. 12, 2016)—On Aug. 6, racers from across the Chesapeake sailed into St. Mary's City—from starting points in Annapolis, Md., Dahlgren, Va., and, Fishing Bay, Va.—for St. Mary's College of Maryland's Governor's Cup Yacht Race. This year marked the 43rd running of the oldest and most prestigious overnight race on the Bay.
The coveted Waldschmitt Trophy for Best in Fleet, which goes to the first-place finisher in the class with the shortest spread time between the first and fifth boats, was awarded to Chessie, helmed by John Kircher. In addition, Chessie received the Steve Bickel Trophy for Most Improved, improving 13 places from last year, and also took the first-place finish in the PHRF A2 class, competing against 17 others in that class.
The St. Mary's College of Maryland Alumni Trophy was awarded to the Seahawk, skippered by John Moore. To be eligible, two or more of the boat's crew must be St. Mary's College alumni. The Patuxent Partnership (TPP) Trophy was awarded to Crocodile, captained by Scott Ward. To be eligible for the TPP Trophy, two or more crewmembers must be employees from a TPP-member company, active duty military, or Department of Defense civilian personnel. This year's Governor's Cup had 115 boats competing.
At the finish line, race participants were greeted to shore by College alumni and other members of the campus community for a weekend-long celebration including a waterfront crab feast & barbecue, Governor's Cup awards ceremony, and live music provided by Byzantine Top 40.
New this year, 2016 St. Mary's College graduates were welcomed to the Zero Year Reunion to reunite with college friends and learn about the benefits of being a St. Mary's College alum.
For 2016 race results, visit http://www.smcm.edu/events/govcup/2016-race-results.