Darien, CT– The 25th Annual Kirby Cup Team Race took place on September 28th and 29th at Noroton Yacht Club. Including Noroton, this past weekend fielded fierce competition from Larchmont YC, Seawanhaka YC, and New York YC. Many former college sailors showed up to represent their respective clubs.
Throughout the entire regatta, racing was extremely tight between the four teams. Noroton Yacht Club and New York Yacht Club were tied for the top spot after two round robins. After the final sailoff, Noroton took home the trophy.
The Kirby Cup has been hosted by Noroton YC since 1999 and always sailed in Sonars. It is dedicated to the designer of the Sonary and longtime Noroton YC member, Sailing Hall-of-Famer Bruce Kirby. This was Noroton Yacht Club’s sixth time winning the trophy and their first victory since 2013. They are now tied with New York Yacht Club’s six wins in the 25-year history of the regatta. Seawankaha has won twice, and Larchmont once.
Carrying out the races was a challenging endeavor. Competitors were held on shore after Day 1 was blown out. Day 2 delivered a 15-20 knot easterly with steep chop and full-ebb tide. For the first time in race history, spinnakers were permitted in the SIs. However, they were unfortunately banned on the water due to conditions.
Final Results:
- Noroton YC
- New York YC
- Seawanhaka YC
- Larchmont YC
This year Seawanhaka YC received the Peter Wilson Fair Play award for their sportsmanship on and off the water, voted by the rest of the fleet. Margo Kirby presented them with the award.
The 2024 Kirby Cup was sponsored by Mount Gay Rum and Cakebread Cellars.
Link to regatta website: https://norotonyc.org/regatta/kBjeNzAqAh
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