The first major sailing event of the year in Marblehead Harbor, the Boston Yacht Club’s annual Jackson Cup, kicks off Friday, April 27, celebrating its 25th anniversary.
This year, the BYC is hosting teams from yacht clubs in the U.S. and the U.K. The New York Yacht Club, which won the event last year, is returning to defend its title, and last year’s runners up, the Royal Thames Yacht Club from the U.K., will renew its challenge.
Closer to home, in addition to competitors from the BYC, Eastern and Corinthian yacht clubs, challengers will include teams from Newport’s Ida Lewis Yacht Club, New Orleans’ Southern Yacht Club and Long Island’s Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club.
The Jackson Cup is named in honor of the late BYC Past Commodore Dr. Robert F. Jackson, (who served 1993-1994) and is an invitational team race challenge. The teams are chosen for having demonstrated high racing skill and the Corinthian spirit. The event was inaugurated in 1999 and is held in April each year. It is sailed in Sonar class boats in Marblehead Harbor.
“I always look forward to the Jackson Cup for a few reasons,” said BYC Past Commodore Tom Mager. “It’s impressive to know that we can attract the best team racers from across the country and even across the ocean. It’s a fun event to watch from Crocker Park, and it’s a kick-off of the racing and boating season about to begin in Marblehead.”
The eight teams of three will race with one or two round robins followed by a medal round to keep everyone racing over the two days.
