64th Annual North Carolina Governor's Cup Regatta
June 18-20, Carolina Sailing Club, Henderson Point State Park

Racing returned to Father’s Day weekend at Kerr Lake with the 64th North Carolina Governor’s Cup Regatta on Kerr Lake at Henderson Point. Carolina Sailing Club resumed the annual event on June 18-20 after a year off due to COVID. 

The weekend started with a clinic led by Joe Brake focusing on a “Return to Racing”. Over 50 sailors attended the discussion on shore followed by practice and coaching on the water.

The competitors' meeting was held via Zoom a few days prior to the event, so competitors were able to casually check in and set up their boats on Saturday morning. Racing started at 1230 sharp on a windward-leeward course with a reach to the finish. Eighty-four boats hit the water representing ten one design classes. In addition to the competition for the Governor’s Cup, the event was host for this year’s Wayfarer US National Championship, the East Coast Weta Championship, the Southeast Regional Sunfish Championship, and the Carolinas District Flying Scot Championship. 

The wind was steady at 7-10 knots throughout the afternoon from the west with a slight change to southwest. This typically means a shorter course, however, Race Committee used knowledge of the lake to set up courses with races averaging 40-45 minutes. Three races with six starts each were conducted.  Heat was a concern and Race Committee handed out water to competitors.

Cooling temperatures with good wind conditions had been predicted for Sunday. However, tropical storm Claudette changed the outlook very quickly. Thunderstorms were approaching from the south with possible lightning. In a nod to safety, racing for Sunday was abandoned. Prizes were awarded based on Saturday’s results.

The Governor’s Cup went to Wayfarer skipper Paul Miller of the Mystic River Mudhead Sailing Association. Top Female Skipper was Wayfarer skipper AnnMarie Covington of the Lake Townsend Yacht Club and Carolina Sailing Club. Top Junior Skipper was 420 skipper Mimi Pare of the Research Triangle Park High School sailing program.

Click here for the complete final results.
Click here for the Governor's Cup photo album.

Principal Race Officer - Bill Jarvis
Scorekeeper - Pat Backus
Chief Judge - Cothran Harris