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The Ficker Cup Leads Into Long Beach Yacht Club’s Congressional Cup

Sailing offers an immense array of participation options, with the one-on-one match-racing format being one of the most unique and challenging. The pinnacle of match racing has been the America’s Cup, but Long Beach Yacht Club’s (LBYC) Congressional Cup remains one of the most coveted prizes in match racing. The Congressional Cup is coming in April, preceded by the Ficker Cup, with both attracting a strong field of world-class match-racing competitors. Many America’s Cup skippers have also been Congressional Cup skippers and winners. Past Congressional Cup winners include Dennis Connor, Bill Ficker, Gerry Driscoll, Rod Davis, Dean Barker, Taylor Canfield and many more.

The Ficker Cup was introduced in 1980 to honor Bill Ficker, a legendary yachtsman, Star Class world champion, and America’s Cup and Congressional Cup victor. This year, the three leading finishers in the Ficker Cup will qualify for an invitation to the Congressional Cup, where they will face off against nine other top-ranked match-racing skippers in five days of fiery competition.

Long Beach YC selected a field of eight skippers culled from the top male, female and youth skippers from around the globe to compete for the Ficker Cup. The competitors are Rocco Attili (ITA), Aurélien Pierroz (FRA), Megan Thomson (NZL), St. Francis Yacht Club member Nicole Breault (USA), Cole Tapper (AUS), Peter Wickwire (CAN), Long Beach Yacht Club’s Dave Hood (USA) and Scott Dickson (USA).

2024 Ficker Cup Regatta Chair Steve Meyer commented, “Thomson took second in the 2023 Ficker Cup and made her Congressional Cup debut last year, followed by a stunning third-place finish in the World Match Racing Tour (WMRT) Finals in December. Breault earned her Ficker Cup berth by winning the 2023 California Dreamin’ Series, and is a three-time Ficker Cup veteran. Hood qualified for Ficker Cup with a victory in the 2023 Butler Cup, and already has an invitation to the Congressional Cup. His credentials are just as impressive off the water as on; he is a senior staff commodore at LBYC. And Dickson, although he hasn’t been active on the match-racing circuit in recent years, has won more Ficker Cup trophies than any other skipper in history. You will see some of the best sailing talent once again coming to Long Beach, California, for our renowned match-racing events!”

Between the Ficker Cup and Congressional Cup events, 13 of the world’s top 20 match-racing skippers will be onsite at LBYC this April. This profusion of sailing talent promises excitement for participants and spectators alike, as the teams compete in the thrilling game of match racing held directly off Long Beach’s Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier.

Ficker Cup racing begins Friday, April 19, and continues through Sunday, April 21, with matches from noon until 5 p.m. daily. The Congressional Cup follows shortly after, with racing April 24 to 28.

For more information go to https://thecongressionalcup.com/ficker-cup . For details on the World Match Racing Tour visit  https://wmrt.com .

Learn more about Nicole Breault and match racing when you tune in to Episode #80 of our Good Jibes Sailing Podcast.

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• MACAO TO HOST NEW CHAMPIONSHIP STAGE OF THE WORLD MATCH RACING TOUR FROM 2025
• POOLE, ÖSTLING VICTORIOUS AT 30TH ANNIVERSARY MATCH CUP SWEDEN
• COURTOIS, AARTSEN, GROENEVELD ADVANCE TO WOMEN’S TROPHY SEMI-FINALS
• QUARTER-FINAL SWEEP AT MATCH CUP SWEDEN
• CRUCIAL POINTS TO COUNT IN QUALIFYING STAGE
• Hall of Fame
• leaderboard
• MACAO MATCH CUP 2025
• The Ficker Cup 2024

The Congressional Cup 2024

• Porto Montenegro Match Race 2024
• NJK Open Spring Cup 2024
• OM International Ledro Match Race, Italy 2024
• GKSS Match Cup Sweden 2024
• Internationaux France Match Race 2024
• OAKCLIFF INTERNATIONAL 2024
• THOMPSON CUP 2024
• DETROIT CUP 2024
• CHICAGO CUP GRAND SLAM 2024
• DBS MARINA BAY CUP 2024
• Szczecin Match Race 2024
• BERMUDA GOLD CUP 2024
• 2024 WMRT FINAL SHENZHEN – BAOAN
• The Ficker Cup 2023
• The Congressional Cup 2023
• Szczecin Match Race 2023
• Porto Montenegro Match Race 2023
• NJK Open Spring Cup 2023
• OM International Ledro Match Race, Italy 2023
• GKSS Match Cup Sweden 2023
• Internationaux France Match Race 2023
• CHICAGO CUP GRAND SLAM 2023
• DETROIT CUP 2023
• THOMPSON CUP 2023
• OAKCLIFF INTERNATIONAL 2023
• Baltic Match Race 2023
• BERMUDA GOLD CUP 2023
• SHENZHEN BAO’AN MATCH CUP – WMRT FINAL 2023
• The Ficker Cup 2022
• The Congressional Cup 2022
• Szczecin Match Race 2022
• Porto Montenegro Match Race 2022
• NJK Open Spring Cup 2022
• GKSS Spring Cup 2022
• OM International Ledro Match Race, Italy 2022
• CHICAGO CUP GRAND SLAM 2022
• DETROIT CUP 2022
• OAKCLIFF INTERNATIONAL 2022
• THOMPSON CUP 2022
• Baltic Match Race 2022
• DBS MARINA BAY CUP 2022
• Polish Open, Szczecin, Poland 2022
• SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – WMRT FINAL 2022
• NJK Open Spring Cup 2021
• GKSS Spring Cup 2021
• Porto Montenegro Match Race 2021
• Szczecin Match Race 2021
• GKSS Match Cup Marstrand 2021
• Internationaux de France Match Racing 2021
• CHICAGO CUP GRAND SLAM 2021
• DETROIT CUP 2021
• OAKCLIFF INTERNATIONAL 2021
• THOMPSON CUP 2021
• Baltic Match Race 2021
• The Ficker Cup 2021
• Match Race Germany 2021
• The Congressional Cup 2021
• BERMUDA GOLD CUP 2021
• DBS MARINA BAY CUP 2021
• SHENZHEN BAO’AN MATCH CUP – WMRT FINAL 2021
• Porto Montenegro Match Race 2020
• GKSS Spring Cup 2020
• Świnoujście Match Race 2020
• GKSS Match Cup Marstrand 2020
• Internationaux de France Match Racing 2020
• Baltic Match Race 2020
• AIRCALIN MATCH RACING CUP 2020
• CHICAGO GRAND SLAM 2020
• DETROIT CUP 2020
• OAKCLIFF INTERNATIONAL 2020
• THOMPSON CUP 2020
• Match Race Germany 2020
• DBS MARINA BAY CUP 2020
• The Ficker Cup 2020
• The Congressional Cup 2020
• BERMUDA GOLD CUP 2020
• Alicante Match Cup 2017 (Q)
• Valencia Match Cup 2018 (Q)
• Malvarrosa Match Cup 2018 (Q)
• Newport Match Cup 2018 (Q)
• GKSS Match Cup Sweden 2018
• Match Cup Norway 2018
• Regata de Portugal 2018
• Match Racing World Championship 2018-2019
• WHAT IS MATCH RACING
• Championship Format
• WMRT ACADEMY
• OFFICIAL NOTICE BOARD

24-28 APRIL 2024

The congressional cup regatta, host venue long beach yacht club california (ca), usa.

The Congressional Cup is recognized as the ‘granddaddy’ of modern world-class match racing: the premier and longest running event of its kind in North America.

Founded by Long Beach Yacht Club in 1965, the Congressional Cup set the standard for top-level match racing worldwide, and pioneered the concept of on-the-water umpiring.

Each year, the world’s top-ranked sailors return to Long Beach, Calif. to compete in this rousing five-day regatta, vying for the prestigious Congressional Cup trophy and the Crimson Blazer.

What The Masters Green Jacket is to pro golfing, the Crimson Blazer is to yacht racing. Often referred to as the gateway to America’s Cup, many AC skippers have cut their teeth on the Congressional Cup: including Ted Turner, Dennis Conner, Ed Baird, Dean Barker, Taylor Canfield, James Spithill, Paul Cayard, Francesco Bruni, and the like.

Most refer to the Congressional Cup as their favorite regatta of the year, due to the high level of competition and warm hospitality, alike. The event is hosted by a legion of 300 member volunteers; and April 3 to 7 LBYC will again put out the red carpet for these sailors, with the 55th running of the Congressional Cup.

EVENT PAGES

Long Beach Yacht Club

6201 E. Appian Way  |  Long Beach, CA 90803

P: (562) 294-5161

[email protected]   |  www.lbyc.org

2024 SKIPPERS

2024 Congressional Cup Skippers:

• Chris Poole (35, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA) / Riptide Racing World No. 1 Open Match Race Rankings Crew: Joachim Aschenbrenner, Bernardo Freitas, Mal Parker, Luke Payne, Harry West
• Johnie Berntsson (51, Stenungsund, Sweden)/ Berntsson Sailing Team World No. 3 Open Match Race Rankings Crew: Filip Karlsson, Herman Andersson, Fredrik Langström, Erik Malmberg, Jesper Stålheim
• Eric Monnin (48, Immensee, Switzerland)/ Capvis Swiss Match Racing World No. 2 Open Match Race Rankings Crew: Simon Brügger, Marc Monnin, Julien Falxa, Ute Monnin-Wagner, Mathieü Renault
• Jeppe Borch (26, Copenhagen, Denmark)/ Borch Racing World No. 5 Open Match Race Rankings Crew: Thor Malthe Andersen, Mathias Rossing, Gustav Wantzin, August de la Cour, Sebastien Pieters
• Nick Egnot-Johnson (25, Auckland, New Zealand)/ KNOTS Racing World No. 10 Open Match Race Rankings Crew: Sam Barnett, Zak Merton, Alastair Gifford, Taylor Balogh
• Ian Williams (46, Lymington, England)/ Gladstone’s Long Beach World No. 11 Open Match Race Rankings Crew: Richard Sydenham, Gerry Mitchell, Ricky McGarvie, Ted Hackney, Oisin Mclelland
• Gavin Brady (50, Auckland, New Zealand)/ True Blue Racing USA World No. 15 Open Match Race Rankings Crew: Chris Cowan, Harry Hall, Ryan Houston, Chris Larson, Joshua Wijohn
• Rocco Attili (27, Rome, Italy)/ RBYS World No. 6 Open Match Race Rankings Crew: Alberto Corneli, Andres Guerra, Edoardo Mancinelli Scotti, Luc Camilli Meletani, Gianluca Perasole, Ludovico Mori
• Dave Hood (Long Beach, USA)/ DH3 Racing World No. 38 Open Match Race Rankings Crew: Nick Blackman, Chris Main, Chris Steele, Steve Natvig, Will Tiller

Plus the top three skippers from the 2024 Ficker Cup, 19-21 Apri l

World Sailing Rankings at 1 April 2024

2024 RESULTS

Related news.

• WMRT Congressional Cup
• Congressional Cup 2023

2024 IMAGES

Congressional cup past champions.

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The Ficker Cup

During Intrepid’s 1970 America’s Cup campaign, the phrase “Ficker is quicker” was coined --- later changed to “Ficker was quicker” when he beat Gretel II to win the cup. Bill also was the winner of the Congressional Cup in 1974.

Ficker Cup is a World Tour WS grade 2 qualifier event for Congressional Cup. The top three skippers from this event will receive the final two invitations to the event for the 2024 World Match Race Tour, Congressional Cup, hosted by Long Beach Yacht Club.

Information on LBYC.org

LONG BEACH YACHT CLUB

naples island • long beach, ca

THE WATER IS

Whether you are looking for an active on-the-water lifestyle the whole family can enjoy, are a competitive sailor, a recreational boater, or simply looking for a welcoming community that also happens to enjoy spectacular waterfront views...you’ve found it at Long Beach Yacht Club.

LBYC was formed to promote yachting and competitive sportsmanship on a world-class level – and for nearly 100 years our reputation has matched our mission. Sailing members take part year-round in regattas, invitationals, championships, trips and other events, and of course, access to our fleet of Catalina 37 One-Design racing yachts.  Don’t know how to sail? That’s okay, we offer learn-to-sail programs on our fleet of Soling sailboats that are also available for member use.

We take an all-inclusive and laid-back approach to what it means to be a yacht club, featuring a range of power and recreational boating programs, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking, fishing trips and travel...nearly any and every recreational activity you can enjoy on, in and around the water.

Our heated pool is a relaxed and relaxing Naples Island gathering spot for those who love to be in the water...as well as close to the water. From lap swimming to soaking up the sun, recreational activities to group lessons and more, this is an active family-friendly amenity that can be enjoyed year-round. We offer members and guests light dining menus, and locker rooms that feature showers and saunas.

Our clubhouse on Alamitos Bay is a casually refined destination that features some of the best views in Long Beach...and Southern California. Led by chefs with decades of experience, LBYC features a variety of menus — and a variety of venues, including our 225-foot private dock. In fact, every table is guaranteed to offer a spectacular visual presentation matched only by our culinary, cocktail and wine selections. From casual family meals to more formal dinners and breathtaking sunset celebrations, this is a private gathering spot that also feels remarkably like a home, away from home.

We regard the younger set as an important part of our Club as well, with both sailing and non-sailing programs for children from ages 4 to 17 years old. LBYC’s well-regarded Junior programs offer world-class sailing lessons, safety instruction and competitions in Sabots, CFJs and Lasers, and a range of fun year-round programs and summer camps led by experienced instructors and coaches.

LBYC is a lively, fun and inviting gathering place, defined by people who will always offer a warm smile, friendly conversation...and an invitation to the next adventure. 

As an equity club, members are owners here, with a say in every decision about our operations and plans for the future. Club reciprocity also means our membership community extends to yacht clubs from just down the coast to around the world, fostering connections and friendships that extend across the years and across the oceans.

Complete the form below to learn more about Long Beach Yacht Club membership and our active, welcoming on-the water lifestyle.

YOUR INVITATION TO

We are families, friends, fellow members and staff brought together by a love of the water, the pleasures of sailing, boating, fishing, swimming, waterfront dining, lively social events — and of course, spending time together at our Naples Island destination.

our playground

SAILING EXCELLENCE

nearly a century of

POWER BOATS, PADDLEBOARDS, FISHING

POOLSIDE FUN &

WATERFRONT DINING

spectacular

youth & junior

THE ADVANTAGES OF

come aboard

© 2024 Long Beach Yacht Club . Powered by Pipeline .

6201 e. appian way, long beach, ca.

JOIN A WORLD OF

on-the-water fun

Visitors and guests are often surprised to learn that many members don’t own boats or consider themselves sailors. That’s because LBYC represents a larger experience that celebrates camaraderie, connection, friendship, and fun.

The mission of Long Beach Yacht Club is to promote yachting and competitive sportsmanship on a world-class level. Our Club’s premier waterfront location, yachting assets, facilities and programs make it the first choice for our families' social and recreational enjoyment.

our mission

Open Daily 10am - 5pm | 365 Thames Street, Newport RI, 02840 Plan Your Visit

Open Daily 10am - 5pm  Plan Your Visit

Yacht Clubs

Long Beach Yacht Club

Long Beach Yacht Club, founded in 1929, gained international recognition through the Congressional Cup sailboat regatta. It originated with plans for a powerboat race between Long Beach and San Francisco. The race was to coincide with the San Francisco Motor Boat Show, promoting both the show and Northern California’s boating industry. Daniel M. Callis, Sr., an active Long Beach architect, played a pivotal role in establishing the club. The inaugural race covered 460 miles, from Long Beach to San Francisco, using a handicapping system. The winner received a trophy donated by Sir Thomas Lipton. Despite initial challenges, the success of this race led to the formation of the Long Beach Yacht Club.

Stories from Long Beach Yacht Club

In 1929, a group met at St. Francis Yacht Club in San Francisco, in an effort to secure support for a real Long Beach Yacht Club. Jonah Jones, Jr. convened a subsequent meeting with Long Beach businessmen interested in yachting, ultimately agreeing to form a real Long Beach Yacht Club. Richard Loynes, a renowned speedboat racer, became the first commodore. Despite the stock market crash, the new LBYC swiftly attracted 100 members, each paying $5 per year (kids paid $2.50). Within weeks, they organized a speedboat race from Long Beach to Avalon, and by February 1930, membership had grown to around 150.

In 1929, D. M. Callis became commodore at the Pacific Coast Club, attended by 125 people. Notable guests included commodores from the Catalina Island Yacht Club, California Yacht Club, and Los Angeles Yacht Club. The focus was on creating a yacht harbor in Long Beach and constructing a clubhouse. Discussions with Long Beach and Los Angeles County officials led to plans for the clubhouse once a harbor location was confirmed.

Using the Pacific Coast Club as its headquarters, discussions began with the City of Long Beach and County of Los Angeles regarding development in Alamitos Bay and plans were formulated to begin construction. Despite their efforts, Long Beach and Seal Beach agreed to construct a bridge over the San Gabriel River mouth in 1931, connecting Seal Beach to Ocean Boulevard in Long Beach. Unfortunately, this bridge restricted access for any vessels 14 feet or more in overhead clearance, hindering Alamitos Bay’s development as a significant yacht harbor for two decades.

In 1936, the first LBYC clubhouse was approved, sparking fundraising efforts and member contributions. By the start of the 1937 regatta season, the facilities were fully paid for. Located west of downtown Long Beach, the clubhouse stood a 2,000-foot stroll along a boardwalk from the shore. It featured moorings, a Star Boat dock and an anchorage area. While no boardwalk extended beyond the clubhouse, local lore suggests that young ladies enjoyed refreshing skinny dips in the secluded L-shaped end of the mooring field.

As the war years approached, LBYC faced changes. Records differ on whether the club sold or donated its first clubhouse to the Sea Scouts in 1939. However, newspaper articles indicate that the facility remained with the club until at least 1941. Despite losing the clubhouse, yachting and social activities persisted amidst the global events unfolding. World War II significantly impacted club members’ lives and boating activities. During this time, Alamitos Bay emerged as a marina and eventually became home to the Long Beach Yacht Club’s second clubhouse.

Prominent individuals associated with LBYC had been involved in Alamitos Bay’s development since the 1920s. However, the second clubhouse could only be built after protecting the bay from floods and constructing the marina. Members’ determined efforts secured an initial lease for the clubhouse site in March 1959. The lease expanded in January 1960, encompassing the clubhouse building and access to Basin 4 slips. By September 1969, the lease extended to 2020. On June 1, 1960, groundbreaking for the current clubhouse on Appian Way took place, with dedication ceremonies held on December 16, 1960. LBYC was now poised for rapid expansion and global recognition within the yachting community.

LBYC thrives on the constant activities provided for the members that include racing, yachting, fishing, diving, swimming, social programs and youth activities. The club actively participates in community outreach using Catalina 37s. Notable activities include the Marcedes Lewis Regatta, where six Boys and Girls Club teams compete. High school students from Jordan High Schools sail in The Panthers at Sea, and Boys and Girls Club kids race in the Wet Wednesday events. The Patriot Regatta draws participation from all five branches of the armed forces—Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, and Navy. Youth programming is a highlight, offering sailing and swimming lessons for little ones, swim team meets, and competitive regattas. As LBYC looks ahead, its leaders balance tradition and innovation to serve members.

David Stotler

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The Sailing Museum & National Sailing Hall of Fame

365 Thames St. Newport RI 02840 401.324.5761

The Sailing Museum

National sailing hall of fame, get involved.

• Become a Member
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© 2011 – 2024 The Sailing Museum and National Sailing Hall of Fame  |  Privacy Policy   |  Site Credits

General Info   Weather   Logistics   Accommodations

Registration

• Catalina 37 Entry Process
• Regatta Waiver and Release of Liability

Check out the competition!

• Current Entry List
• Schedule of Events
• Regatta Schedule

Facilities Information

Learn about the hours of operation, dining, parking, transportation, and when you can get a drink at the bar!

• ABYC & LBYC Facilities

The Water Taxi will be operating during the regatta between ABYC and LBYC. This service will be provided on Friday and Saturday evenings:

• Friday: 1700 – 2100
• Saturday: 1630 – 2100
• Sunday: No Service

Docking Information for Visiting Yachts

If you require berthing for the event, please contact the LBYC Waterfront Office at [email protected] or (562) 598-9401 Ext 113.

• Marina Aerial View

Types of Racing

One design, and phrf buoy racing.

Buoy racing for One Design and PHRF fleets on three racing areas; Alpha, Bravo and Charlie, each with separate race committees. Alpha and Bravo will be Ocean courses with racing beyond the Federal Breakwater in the Pacific Ocean. Charlie will be located inside the Federal Breakwater between Islands Chaffee, Freeman and White.

Random Leg PHRF and ORCA

The Long Beach Race Week random leg courses will be run over a course around San Pedro Bay using fixed navigational points, providing a variety of beating, reaching, and running. The races will be of longer distance and greater duration than the buoy racing.

• Yacht Club Challenge

In addition to individual awards, this year’s competition will include the Yacht Club Challenge Trophy. Teams must be comprised of three yachts, which can be from either a single yacht club, or from geographically recognized regions; such as  the Pacific Northwest, Gulf Coast, British Columbia or Texas.

To enter your team, after you have registered for the event, please complete the entry form below:

Yacht Club Challenge Entry Form

• Golison & Kent Family Trophy

The Yacht Club Challenge Trophy is based on cumulative scoring of teams composed of three yachts competing in three separate classes at Long Beach Race Week.  When there are insufficient yachts from a single yacht club to constitute a three-yacht team, teams may be nominated from geographically recognized regions (such as Pacific Northwest, Gulf Coast, British Columbia or Texas).

If you wish to be considered for this trophy, please fill out the form below and return the completed form to Long Beach Race Week registration.

Golison & Kent Family Trophy Entry Form

• Notice of Race (NoR)
• Sailing Instructions (SI)
• General Notices
• Event Q&A #1
• Friday Course Assignments
• Saturday Course Assignments
• Sunday Course Assignments
• Addendum Q Modification Approval Letter
• Addendum Q - Catalina 37 class

Protests, Jury Questions, Crew & Equipment Substitutions, Scoring Inquiries

• File a Protest
• Submit Question for the Jury
• Submit Scoring Inquiry
• Protest Hearing Schedule
• Protest Decisions
• Answers to Race Official Questions
• Scoring Inquiries
• Submit Crew Substitution Request
• Submit Equipment Substitution Request
• Crew Substitutions
• Equipment Substitutions

Entry Forms

Useful Information

• Yacht Club Facility Information
• Berthing Assignments
• Sandwich Order Form - Gelsons
• Fast 50 Buoy*
• Random Leg 1*
• Random Leg 2*
• Random Leg Multi*

Title Sponsor

Gold Sponsors

Silver sponsors.

Bronze Sponsors

The Long Beach Sailing Foundation's mission is to encourage and promote national and international amateur sailing and to facilitate maritime education and community sailing opportunities. We are a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization formed to own, maintain and manage a fleet of identical Catalina 37 sailboats donated by Frank Butler, the president of Catalina Yachts, for use in Long Beach Yacht Club  signature event, The Congressional Cup .

Throughout the year, you will see and hear about our programs designed to support STEM education, sailor development, and Community Outreach.  These programs are made possible through the support of our donors and our partnerships with Long Beach Yacht Club, the US Sailing Center, and many members of our local sailing community.

The Long Beach Sailing Foundation was formed in 1991 to own, manage and maintain the Catalina 37 fleet, donated by Frank Butler, the president of Catalina Yachts. The Sailing Foundation supports the boats to an identical standard in all performance-related areas: weight, equipment, rig tuning, and sails. This is possible through the tremendous efforts of dedicated board member volunteers, contractors, and supporters like Catalina Yachts and Samson Rope Technologies, who are all key to helping us fulfill our mission.

If you want to ensure that the sport of sailing thrives and is accessible to all those in our community who are open to the experience of sailing and all the relationship and educational opportunities it provides, please donate to the Long Beach Sailing Foundation.

General / Unrestricted​

Education ​ ​

Photo: Chris Poole Undefeated Champion of the 58th Congressional Cup

The Congressional Cup

The world’s top match-racing skippers return yearly to Long Beach Yacht Club for the annual Congressional Cup regatta.  The skippers man the fleet of 11 identical Catalina-37s furnished by The Long Beach Sailing Foundation .

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