Sunday, July 13, 2008

Liz Baylis Clinches Mayor's Cup In Showdown With Hayes


Liz Baylis Leads Katie Spithill to the weather Mark. Photo (c) Sean Downey

Liz Baylis gets doused with water by rival tactician, Angela Farrell of Australia after winning the Mayor's Cup. Photo (c) Sean Downey
[Written by Betsy Crowfoot] Saturday’s light breeze forced the cancellation of the semi-final and final races of the third annual Mayor’s Cup presented by St. Mary Medical Center – giving the victory to San Francisco Yacht Club’s Liz Baylis and team, based on cumulative points.

The same calm conditions that were ideal for the morning’s Catalina Ski Race wreaked havoc on the sailing competition. After a two-hour postponement, the Mayor’s Cup proceeded in southerly breezes that built to a shifty 6-8 knots, allowing the eight teams of women to squeeze out the final two flights of the round robin.

Going into their last match, Baylis led the fleet with 11 wins, while Sail Newport-Bayview Yacht Club’s Sandy Hayes trailed closely with 10.

In match racing, a tie breaker rule gives the win to the opponent who most recently beat the rival. Hence Baylis and Hayes’ final race would prove a showdown for first place. Read more...