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2025 San Francisco Lipton Cup

June 13-15

Regatta Announcement

Organizing Authority: the Richmond Yacht Club, in conjunction with PICYA

Boats provided from the St. Francis Yacht Club.

This is not a “race document’ and is provided for information purposes only. All information is subject to verification and clarification in the Notice of Race.

This year’s three day Regatta shall be sailed out of Richmond Yacht Club with many exciting and iconic courses:

  • Friday – a race(s) for the Admirals Cup.
  • Saturday – a maximum of 7 races may be held for the Sir Thomas Lipton Challenge Trophy.
  • Sunday – a race(s) for the Larry Knight Trophy.

The Regatta is open to all Yacht Clubs that are current members of the Pacific Inter-Club Yachting Association (PICYA) and in good standing. The sign-up entries are open on March 18, 2025. 

CLICK HERE for registration and more information.

The modern Lipton Cup regatta in San Francisco is three day racing special event presented by the Pacific Inter-Club Yacht Association.

The Pacific Inter-Club Yacht Association (PICYA) is made up of over 100 yacht and boat clubs in Northern California. They are one of the largest such associations in the world and their history dates back to 1896. PICYA was formed to foster communication and cooperation among boaters and their club members.

Overall Lipton Cup Award Plus Individual Trophy Events For Each Day

The Lipton Cup is awarded in a formal PICYA event for the overall points winner of the regatta.   

Since 2018, the regatta also includes three additional trophies awarded at the end of the racing day.

Friday – a race(s) for the Admirals Cup.

Saturday – A maximum of 7 races may be held for the Sir Thomas Lipton Challenge Trophy. There will be on-water umpiring for this day’s races using a modified Addendum Q.

Sunday  – a races(s) the Larry Knight Trophy.

Plus great festivities at host club.

Lipton Cup History

Sir Thomas Lipton first came to San Francisco Bay in 1912 to compete in 12-meter racing at the Panama-Pacific International Exposition in 1915.  WWI interrupted plans but the Lipton Cup was raced in 1916, 1918, 1919, and 1920.   At that time, the Cup was won by John Hanify.  With the death of Hanify, the 12- meter class also collapsed and the Cup itself was “lost” for 40 years.   PICYA regained control of the Cup in 1960 when it was found at the Olympic Club.

Tragedy hit when the Cup melted in the St. Francis YC fire of 1976.  Then a new trophy was built in the image of one of the 12-meter yachts.  The trophy is on display at the St. Francis YC.

2024 Host: Encinal Yacht Club

2023 Host: San Francisco Yacht Club 

2022 host:  Corinthian Yacht Club

2022 Sponsors:  St Francis Yacht Club  Pacific Interclub Yacht Association

2021 host:  South Beach Yacht Club

2021 host:  Encinal Yacht Club

2021 Sponsors:  St Francis Yacht Club  Pacific Interclub Yacht Association

PICYA Lipton Cup News

PICYA Lipton Cup Regatta 2024

June 14 – Four races are scheduled for the Admiral’s Cup, with a destination race starting off St Francis YC on the city front to Berkeley Pier, two races at Berkeley Pier, and a destination race to Encinal Yacht Club. The helmsperson must be female.

June 15 – Seven races are scheduled for the Sir Thomas Lipton Challenge Trophy. Racing will take place on the Alameda Estuary racecourse, starting off Encinal Yacht Club.

June 16 – Three races are scheduled for the Larry Knight Trophy, starting near the Berkeley pier.  The third race will finish in the vicinity of St Francis YC. The helmsperson must have reached their 60th birthday before 6/14/24.

Click Here for Information and Registration

CLICK HERE FOR 2024 CREW LIST

SOCIAL EVENTS AND SPECTATOR BOATS @ Encinal Yacht Club

  • Live Music: Groove to the rhythm of the islands.
  • Poolside Paradise: Dive into relaxation at our beautiful pool. It’s the perfect spot to unwind and cool off after the heat of competition!
  • Tiki Bar Specialties: Sip on handcrafted cocktails and mocktails.
  • Shore Games: Individual and team challenges to keep the friendly competition rolling.
  • Delicious Dining Options: On Friday and Saturday evenings, savor the flavors of the islands with our delectable snack and dining options. o
  • Trophy Presentations
  • Docking for Spectator Boats will be available by reservation.
  • After racing on Sunday, the final trophy presentation and a social event will occur at St Francis YC.

The modern Lipton Cup regatta in San Francisco is three day racing special event presented by the Pacific Inter-Club Yacht