Congressional Cup Sails Into Belmont Shore

One of the most well respected events in the entire sport of sailing returns to the waters of Belmont Shore Tuesday as the Congressional Cup celebrates its 49th year of match racing.

Started in 1965, the event is known in sailing terms as a "match race" and pits skipper against skipper as they captain ten identical 37-foot Catalina sail boats. With no tactical advantage coming from a superior vessel, the race focuses instead on chess-match-like strategy as each skipper tries to outsmart his opponent.

"It is all about the skipper and not about the boats," explained John Schuman with the Long Beach Yacht Club. "That is why (the race) is held in such high regard by the skippers themselves... In the world of sailing, this is probably the bigget event going on right now."

As others explained, the Congressional Cup is considered the biggest event in sailing behind the granddaddy of all sailing races – the America's Cup. Many competitor's in this week's Congressional Cup have either competed in the America's Cup or will go on to do so in the future.

"Our Congressional Cup has always been a stepping stone for the America's Cup," Congressional Cup chairman David Murray said. "Our event has always been a leader in our sport."

Among the many sailors competing this week is the top ranked sailor in the world, Ian Williams. Williams said on Monday that the Congressional Cup offers him a rare opportunity to compete against some of the best racers in the world on an even playing field.

"The essence of match racing is all the boats are identical," Williams said. "You don't get that opportunity to go against the legends of the sport with identical equipment very often."

World famous sailor Ed Baird, who has coached and competed in the America's Cup, also praised the chance to get to compete in a match race.

"It is a lot of fun for us to get to do match racing," Baird said. "We are looking forward to a fun week."

High winds in Long Beach halted the morning and afternoon practice sessions on Monday but officials said they expect the winds to die down in time for the first day of racing on Tuesday.

The event is hosted by the Long Beach Yacht Club and staffed with more than 300 volunteers from the club.

Races will take place at the Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier and will run through Saturday. Admission, parking, and seating at the pier is free and open to the general public.