Help us say "Thank You!"

The men and women of our military put their lives on the line for us and our country. his event was created with one sole purpose - to acknowledge and publicly thank those who fight to protect our way of life. The American Armed Forces Cup was dreamed up over a lunch outing In 2009 when one of our instructors offered to purchase lunch for some soldiers in uniform who were eating in the same restaurant. He purchased their meal as a simple act of gratitude. Back at the office the sentiment grew. What could we do to show them how much we appreciate them? The Armed Forces Cup was created.

View the 2009 results here.
View the 2010 results here.
View the 2011 results here.

In order to open up the Cup Regatta to greater participation from both military personnel and civilian support, this year we are changing the format and inviting participation from keelboats 24 feet or greater in the following categories:

  • Ballena Bay Yacht Cub Members’ yachts
  • Ballena Isle Marina tenants’ yachts
  • Club Nautique members’ yachts
  • Club Nautique charter yachts

Boat owners and boat charterers are invited to choose a military branch to sail for and bring active duty military personnel and military veterans as crewmembers. To that end, handicap credits will be awarded for each yacht’s military and veteran crewmembers. Club Nautique will assist with matching up skippers with military personnel.

The Regatta will be a relaxed rally format without the normal stress of close quarters racing around buoys. Winners will be determined by the lowest corrected time around the course. Each yacht may represent the military branch of its choice so it is expected that there may be multiple entries for some branches. Awards will be presented at Ballena Bay Yacht Club during an awards dinner and party following the regatta. There is no cost to enter a yacht in the regatta. There will be a charge for dinner and beverages at Ballena Bay Yacht Club. There will be awards for overall winner and the fastest boat for each branch of the service.

Saturday, May 19th, 2012 Schedule:

0800 Gather at Club Nautique for check-in of yachts and crews. Coffee and pastries served.
0830 Skippers' briefing and assignment of starting times.
0900 Board yachts and prepare to get underway.
1000 First start of the day.
1100 Last start of the day.
1200 Lunch underway (hosted by yacht owner).
1600 Deadline for completion of the course.
1700 Gather at Ballena Bay Yacht Club for Happy Hour and socializing.
1830 Hosted dinner at Ballena Bay Yacht Club.
2000 Trophy presentation.

Yacht owners are signing up to represent their favorite branch of the military in the regatta and have openings for active duty, reserve and veteran military personnel and are looking forward to saying "thank you for your service" by hosting military crew aboard their yachts and at the yacht club party afterwards.

This is an opportunity for members of the military to enjoy a fun day on beautiful San Francisco Bay aboard a sailing yacht, represent their branch of the service in a friendly inter-service regatta, and bask in the appreciation for their service. No experience is necessary and participation can range from riding along as passengers up to taking a turn at the helm.

See the Notice of Yacht Rally for further information.

Click here to download entry form.

Click here to download tips for an enjoyable day on the water.

If you are interested in participating in this event, please email Don Durant.

Current participants: CREW NEEDED!