58th Governor's Cup International Youth Match Racing Championship Day 1
by Susan Kenney 31 Jul 16:48 NZST
29 July - 3 August 2025
Skipper Cole Tapper with crew Jack Frewin and Hamish Vass on day 1 of the 58th Governors Cup International Youth Match Racing Championship © Tom Walker
There are always favorites before the start of major sailing events, but there are usually a few surprises as well. However, after the first day of the 58th Governor's Cup International Youth Match Racing Championship, there were no real surprises.
Two of the three semi-finalists who returned from 2024 emerged 6-0 for the day: defending champion, Cole Tapper (AUS) and Justin Callahan (USA). Close behind are fellow 2024 semi-finalist Josh Hyde (NZL) and hometown talent Morgan Pinckney (USA), representing Newport Harbor Yacht Club, each ending the day with an impressive 5 wins.
The 2025 GovCup is hosted by Balboa Yacht Club (Newport Beach, CA) and is presented by Terry Causey and his foundation," Call of the Sea", and co-presented by BYC's Croul Family.
One of the most notable performances came from 16-year-old Siena Nichols (USA) of Balboa Yacht Club—the youngest skipper in the regatta—who posted a remarkable 4-2 record. Her skill and composure on the water are notable at any age, drawing comparisons to cross-harbor rival and friend Morgan Pinckney, who placed third in his GovCup debut at age 16.
There are twelve teams from six countries competing in the 58th year of the Governor's Cup. With two more days in the double round-robin phase of the championship, a lot of movement on the leaderboard, up and down, can still happen. The less experienced teams gain more experience with the local conditions and the BYC provided GovCup 22 yachts.
Conditions today ranged from 5 to 8 knots, but the GovCup 22s were specifically designed to perform well in the lighter wind typical of summertime in Newport Beach — as the boats did again today. The 22s were designed by esteemed naval architect, and BYC Staff (former) Commodore, Alan Andrews (USA).
The double round-robin phase continues through Saturday, after which the top four teams will advance to head-to-head semi-finals. Racing for positions five thru twelve will also continue through Saturday. The Semis will wrap on Sunday, followed by the Finals for the top two teams, with the other two teams racing in the Petit Final to determine 3rd and 4th.
Find out more at www.govcupracing.com