Alexandra Cup

International sailing rivalry in the Pacific Northwest goes back many years. Records show that the first international match race took place July 4th, 1891, between the Canadian cutter, Siren and the Herreshoff-designed Adriadne. Capt. Billy Watts of Vancouver won the day and with it a purse of gold worth $80!

Over the years competition flourished and, in 1907, Seattle and Vancouver met in the first match for the Alexandra Cup. The cup was donated by the Province of British Columbia’s Lt. Governor, the Rt. Hon. James Dunsmuir.

After a dispute between competitors in 1909, the Cup sat collecting dust for 100 years. In 2007, in recognition of the special relationship enjoyed today between the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club and the Seattle Yacht Club, a move was made to resurrect the 100 year old rivalry for the Alexandra Cup. A match race series between RVYC and SYC  for the cup was held in June of 2008.

On April 30, 2009 the Alexandra Cup Trustees received a notice to challenge for the Alexandra Cup from the Commodore of the Seattle Yacht Club.  The challenge was specifically requested to be sailed in classic “R” Yachts.

On May 28, 2009 a formal acceptance of the challenge and required approval of the Alexandra Cup Trustees was recorded, with the final series to be sailed in “R” Class yachts from October 11-18, 2010.

The right to defend or challenge is open to all yacht clubs in Canada (Defense) and USA (Challenge) provided the clubs are registered with their national authority.

The supporters of the Boatbuilding Heritage Society of B.C. are working hard to complete the restoration of the R Class yacht Lady Van in 2010, in order to be ready to compete for the right to defend the Alexandra Cup on behalf of the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club.

Read More about the Alexandra Cup Challenge 2010