THE 2021 LIPTON CUP BY DANIEL SANDOVAL
As a junior sailor, who has grown up sailing 420s and Sonars at CYC and sailing on bigger sailboats including Photo courtesy of Mark Albertazzi
our family’s Beneteau 36.7 “Karma”, I felt honored to have been selected to be a member of the CYC Lipton Cup race team. I knew I could contribute to the team and looked forward to getting to know the other team members. Leading up to the event, the team was able to practice a few times in Chicago, but were limited to heavy breeze conditions given the Fall weather. This meant we would have to practice before the event in San Diego to get comfortable in light air conditions. Fortunately, I had raced on a J105 during the summer so I knew my way around the boat. The preparation reminded me of a few C420 events, where we were able to practice the day before the event with the goal of working on teamwork and getting a quick sense of the local conditions. The SDYC organized a great event with typical San Diego weather. I had an amazing time being a part of the Lipton Cup team. The competition was tough, with each invited club sending teams composed of good sailors, which led to close racing. The sailing conditions
assisting with gybes and tacks while making sure that my weight was optimally placed on each leg.
were challenging with the shifty, variable winds making
Overall, I personally thought it was a good experience
local knowledge key. As a team, we would meet for a
and I would participate again if asked to do so.
quick breakfast every morning, to talk, and prep for
The communication throughout the boat was insightful
the day, before heading to the boat to get ready. We
and led to teamwork that was critical for our team to be
would talk on the way out to the race course, which
competitive at a high level for this event. While we had
was scenic, but at least 45 minutes to an hour motoring
a number of great starts, the shiftiness of San Diego
each way. We also met for dinner each evening along
Bay favored the local knowledge. Nevertheless, the
with other CYC guests. The team bonded quickly as
team experience was great and an all around great
each member contributed based on their assigned
time to talk, get to know all of them, and be part of
role. I was at mast who was responsible for raising the
the team. I’m sure that if the team competed again, we
halyards, helping hoist and douse the spinnaker and
would apply what we learned this time around. ✶ Blinker ✶ Winter 2021
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