Determination won the day for the final Sippy Cup
Determination won the day when the 10th and final Sippy Cup was raced August 4, from Rock Hall to North East, MD, despite heavy thunderstorms in the area and lots of debris in the water.
Originally the race was set to start Friday, August 3, off of Annapolis, but due to debris in the water from the opening of the Conowingo Dam, organizers moved the start to very early Saturday morning, August 4, in an effort to reduce the risk of racers encountering unseen logs.
Fourteen boats motored out to the start in southwest winds of 15 to 20 knots and a two- to three-foot chop. Two starts got off in a flood tide, and the boats sailed off reaching toward the finish line, some 28 miles away. Congratulations to sailors aboard Ariell II, who captured first place in the Big Gulp division, and those aboard Grace, who took top honors in the Sippy Cup division.
A post-race party was held at Hances Point Yacht Club. Sailors were ferried from the adjacent mooring field and nearby marinas to the party site, where dinner, music, fun, and awards awaited them.
This year’s course reversed the traditional race from North East to Annapolis, after an accidental double-booking of the Annapolis marina that had hosted the group the past five years. It was simpler for race organizers Suzanne and Dobbs Fryberger to change the course than find another venue. The change fit the vibe of the race, and the last running in particular. The Frybergers say it has always been about being different and brave in the face of prestigious racing. Besides, if they started in Annapolis, racers would be in town for the start of the Governor’s Cup (though unfortunately the Governor’s Cup was cancelled due to debris in the Bay).
Find official race results here.
