Governors Cup cancelled due to debris in the Bay

St. Mary’s College of Maryland’s Governor’s Cup Yacht Race, scheduled to take place Friday and Saturday, August 3 and 4, has been canceled.

“We have been carefully monitoring the water conditions on the Chesapeake Bay since last week’s opening of the Conowingo Dam on the Susquehanna River,” said Adam L. Werblow, Governor’s Cup regatta chair, and director of the waterfront and head varsity sailing coach at St. Mary’s College. “Unfortunately, massive amounts of debris (both organic and man-made) have made their way into our beautiful bay. The debris has entered the racecourse and increased the danger to navigation. Forecasts call for more rain which will only exacerbate the problem. Given that the Governor’s Cup is an overnight race; in the interest of safety we have made the decision to cancel this year’s regatta. St. Mary’s College of Maryland very much looks forward to hosting the 46th Governor’s Cup next summer.”

St. Mary’s College of Maryland’s highly anticipated Governor’s Cup Yacht Race, scheduled for August 3 – 4, is open for registration.

This year marks the 45th running of the oldest and longest overnight race on the Chesapeake Bay. The main event starts from Maryland’s current capital city in Annapolis to its first capital city in St. Mary’s City. Simultaneously Potomac Leg sailors start at Dahlgren, Southern Leg sailors start at Fishing Bay, and the new Solomons leg sailors start at Flag Harbor to sail to St. Mary’s City, uniting the sailors of the Chesapeake Bay.

At the finish line College faculty, staff, alumni and other members of the campus community will greet race participants to shore for a celebration including a Waterfront Crab Feast & Barbecue, Governor’s Cup Awards Ceremony, and live music.

Qualified sailors interested in participating in the race can register online at the official Gov’ Cup website,www.smcm.edu/events/govcup. Submit a completed entry along with a $120 entry fee no later than July 27 at 5 p.m.

For information about the event, visit www.smcm.edu/events/govcup or email govcup@smcm.edu.