San Diego Yacht Club (above) won the 2024 Sir Thomas Lipton Cup Challenge, held October 25-27 in San Diego, CA. Twelve club teams competed in provided J/105, switching boats throughout the 12-race series. It is the fourth consecutive victory for SDYC, with the team never relinquishing the lead after winning the first two races.
This was the first year for Jake LaDow as skipper, but was part of the 2023 team and was joined by defending Lipton Cup crew Max Hutcheson and Lucy Wallace. Also on the crew were past winners Nevin Snow, Erik Shampain, and Chris Busch. On foredeck was first time Lipton Cup crew Andy Reiter.
“Our team did a phenomenal job, and it was a dream come true for me to be able to drive for this event,” said LaDlow. “Thanks to Commodore Pleskus for giving us this chance, and we’re thrilled to have come through for him.”
Both New York Yacht Club and Newport Harbor Yacht Club got off to a slow start on the first day, but narrowed the margin on SDYC through Day 2. However, when the defending champ won races 9 and 10, their focus turned to the remaining steps on the podium. After NHYC was runner-up in 2023 with NYYC in third, they switched positions for 2024.
Event details – Results – Team rosters – Photos
Source: https://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2024/10/27/san-diego-yacht-club-defends-lipton-cup/
