The US Naval Academy Midshipmen sailed to the top of the leaderboard on Day Two of the Port of Los Angeles Harbor Cup regatta here. Racing concludes Sunday.

Vying against nine other college teams from across the US and Ireland, the Midshipmen logged three bullets, plus one fourth and one sixth, in foggy, drizzly conditions that tested both the talent and tenacity, of competing co-eds.

“There have been a couple of light races that have been really frustrating for us, but the later parts of the day have been really nice, with good breeze,” said Sean Cornell, skipper of University of South Florida, who won the last race of the day. “We got off the pin well and were fast, and were able to hold the left side of the course,” Cornell explained.

“The starts have been really tricky,” he admitted. “The starting line is really small, so you’re either off the line well or you’re spit out the back. We had a couple of times where we left a few points on the table.”

They finished the day in fourth place with 34 points, just two points behind the University of California Santa Barbara Gauchos, and four points behind California Maritime Academy. “We still have a shot at the podium, Cornell summed. “Tomorrow, go out and get off the line well: that’s our goal.”

2018 Port of Los Angeles Harbor Cup – Day 2 © Bronny Daniels/Joysailing

Cal Mariitime gave a glimpse of their pedigree, winning the third race of the day, and inching ahead of the Gauchos. But it was Navy who was propelled front and center, with a 10-point margin over the second place boat.

“Of all the regattas we do all year, this is my favourite,” said Midshipmen skipper Teddy Papenthien. “The competition is great, and it’s fun to be here: LAYC rolls out the red carpet for us. It’s an absolute priveledge to come out here.”

The Port of Los Angeles Harbor Cup regatta has been held since 2008, sponsored by the Port of LA and hosted by LAYC and Cal Maritime. This invitational one-design regatta is raced in the challenging waters outside the Port of LA aboard an equalized fleet of Catalina 37 sloops, managed and maintained by the Long Beach Sailing Foundation. Invitations for the 10 berths are highly coveted, for the chance to win the Port of LA Harbor Cup perpetual trophy, which was deeded to encourage,”…young men and women to enjoy the benefits of competitive sailing.” College level regattas are typically sailed in small one or two-person dinghies in protected waters. But the Port of LA Harbor Cup provides a rare opportunity for big boat, offshore racing, with large competitive co-ed teams.

Racing continues tomorrow, Sunday March 11 starting at 11:30AM, with a more favorable forecast for clear skies and 7-10 knots of southeasterly breeze.

Spectator boats are available, to watch the final two races. Or follow the action on Facebook at @LAYCHarborCup – Twitter @layc1901 – Instagram #HC2018, #layc1901

For more information please visit www.layc.org.

Results after Day 2: