2026 Yachting Cup Preview: J/Teams Head to San Diego

(San Diego, CA)- From May 1-3, 2026, over 50 boats in several classes are expected to descend upon the waters of San Diego Bay and Coronado Roads to compete in the 2026 Yachting Cup. The Yachting Cup is one of the most highly anticipated regattas of the year featuring fun, challenging race courses designed with each class in mind, as well as a variety of socials each day. This year’s event features one-design classes for J/111s, J/105s, and J/24s, plus a PHRF Division.

San Diego YC’s Commodore Alli Bell states, “The 2026 Yachting Cup represents the continuation of one of the longest running and most prestigious events at San Diego Yacht Club. We are looking forward to welcoming sailors from around Southern California and beyond for good competition and fun on and off the water.”

Kicking things off is the always-popular Friday “Ton Cup” race, sailed in La Playa Basin aboard SDYC’s fleet of J/22s. It’s a relaxed, high-energy warm-up designed to get crews dialing in teamwork and setting the tone for the weekend. Best of all, it’s free for all registered entrants.

J/111 Class
The quartet of J/111s reads like a “who’s who” of top offshore racers in California. Featured is two-time J/111 North American Champion Peter Wagner and his team on SKELETON KEY from St. Francis YC in San Francisco. They will be fighting against a strong local contingent that consists of Derek Heeb’s GURLI, Ed Sanford’s CREATIVE, and John Staff’s OBSIDIAN.

J/105 Class
A half-dozen J/105s will be vying for class honors. Some of the tops teams should include Chuck & Stephen Driscoll’s brightly orange-colored JUICED, Mike Hatch’s J-ALMIGHTY, and Bennet Greenwald & Dave Vieregg’s PERSEVERANCE.

J/24 Class
The nine-boats competing for J/24 class bragging rights include leading teams such as Susan Taylor’s TAKE GIVE, Brian Dolan’s CALAMITY, Lynsi Gibbons’s TIME BOMB, Christian Seidel’s WHARF RAT, and Jerry Lewis’s KUDZU 3.

PHRF Division
Featured in this offshore fleet will be Mark Stratton’s J/122 CHEEKY, Mike Thompson’s classic J/40 KATSUO, and twin J/120s (John Laun’s CAPER & Chuck Nichols’s CC RIDER).

When the racing wraps up each day, the fun shifts ashore. The weekend includes a Friday night Welcome Party, the signature Yachting Cup Party on Saturday night, and a Sunday Awards Ceremony following racing. Sailors can expect music, excellent food and drinks flowing all three days along with live music on Saturday night.

The 2026 Yachting Cup is proudly sponsored by Driscoll Boat Works, Helly Hansen, Mount Gay Rum, Maui Brewing Co, North Sails, and Sun Bum.

For more San Diego YC Yachting Cup sailing information
http://www.yachtingcup.com/