Training ground for top sailors starts today

More than 30 teens from a dozen international yacht clubs practiced Monday as the 41st annual Governor’s Cup commenced with official racing set to begin at 12:30 p.m. today off the Newport Beach coast between the Newport and Balboa piers

Hosted by the Balboa Yacht Club, the Governor’s Cup is the longest-running youth match race in the world and features teams from across the United States, as well as Australia and the Virgin Islands.

“It’s sort of a training ground for the really top sailors from around the world,” said Don Becker, principal race officer.

Full coverage of the regatta will be featured in the sports section of the Daily Pilot beginning Wednesday.

For more information, go to www.balboayachtclub.com.

— Jessie Brunner