53rd Governor's Cup
Yacht Race
presented by
Experience the Chesapeake Bay’s oldest and longest-running overnight sailboat race
Whether you’re racing or just soaking up the shoreside fun, this unforgettable weekend is not to be missed. As the boats arrive throughout Saturday, enjoy live music, entertainment along the waterfront and food trucks from across Southern Maryland. It’s also the last chance to stay overnight on campus each summer—an annual tradition for many alumni!
Governor's Cup will take place on Friday, July 31 and Saturday, August 1, 2026
Please revisit this page for the latest updates, as details may change.
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For Racers
Race Information & Resources
- Notice of Race
- Sailing Instructions
- Current Entries
- Crew Board (Looking for Crew & Looking for Boat)
Join the Race by registering on nextSailor! Choose one of two courses: the historic, 70-mile Annapolis Leg or the newer Potomac Leg starting from Dahlgren.
Scored yacht classes include Multihull, ORC, CRCA ORR-ez, PHRF A, PHRF B, PHRF C/D and the generalized PHRF Spin & PHRF N. Specialty awards on the Annapolis course include the St. Mary’s Alumni Trophy, the Waldschmidt “Best In Fleet” Trophy and the Steve Bickel Award for most improved over last year’s race.
After Crossing the Finish Line
Drop anchor and hop aboard our complimentary tender boat service, or dock on the waterfront pier, to come ashore to join the festivities!
For (Non-Racing) Alumni and Supporters
You don’t have to race to be part of Governor’s Cup Weekend. Alumni, families, friends and community members are invited to come down to St. Mary’s City, welcome the fleet as it arrives and enjoy a full day of waterfront festivities.
Spend the day by the river with live music, food trucks, a dockside bar, campus shuttles and transportation to the Green Door Tavern. Whether you’re cheering on a sailor, reconnecting with classmates or simply looking for a summer weekend on campus, there’s plenty to enjoy on shore.
The housing, transportation, dining and entertainment options below are open to racers and non-racers alike.
Housing
Townhouse on the Greens ($)
Enjoy a riverfront view from the Townhouse Green, featuring a communal bathroom, living room, dining room and a full-size kitchen with refrigerator and stove. Two bedrooms with two twin XL beds in each room. All units are air-conditioned. $200/night per townhouse.
Queen Anne Residence Hall ($)
While these units do not include a fridge, stove or microwave, they are conveniently located near the waterfront. Dormitory room style housing with two twin XL beds in each room and access to a shared communal bathroom. All units are air-conditioned. $50/night per room.
Transportation
Tender Boat Service (Free)
Saturday | 6 a.m. - 12:30 a.m.
Sunday | 7 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Travel seamlessly from your boat to the end of the waterfront pier with our reliable tender boat service, available until just past midnight. The service will reopen on Sunday morning from 7 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Campus Shuttle Service (Free)
Saturday | 6 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Get around campus with stops at the James P. Muldoon River Center, Daugherty-Palmer Commons/Townhouse Green and Queen Anne Residence Hall.
Green Door Tavern Shuttle Service ($)
Friday | 7 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Saturday | 7 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Ride safely to and from our most popular local watering hole with continuous round-trip transportation, the perfect option if you’re looking for some late-night pizza.
Annapolis Shuttle Service ($)
Saturday | 7:30 p.m.
Hop aboard the shuttle service to the Annapolis City Dock. Following the Waterfront Luau, the shuttle will depart promptly at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday from the St. Mary's City Post Office, across the street from the River Center.
Dining
Breakfast at the Parish Hall ($)
Saturday | 6 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Fuel up for the day with this all-you-can-eat meal at the St. Mary’s Parish Hall, just like the old days. The buffet-style breakfast includes scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, hash brown potatoes, fruit, muffins, toast, juice, coffee and water. $18/person.
Dockside Bar ($)
Saturday | 8 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Unwind with a signature cocktail, glass of wine, beer or non-alcoholic beverage. A portion of the proceeds and tips will support the SMCM Alumni Legacy Scholarship.
Food Trucks ($)
Saturday | 12 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Enjoy lunch or dinner from one of our many local food trucks, featuring seafood, burgers, sandwiches, salads and more.
Waterfront Luau ($)
Saturday | 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Back after nearly a decade, the waterfront luau returns following the Governor’s Cup Awards Ceremony. Gather by the river with racers, alumni, families and friends for island-inspired food, drinks, music and a relaxed evening celebrating the fleet’s arrival in St. Mary’s City. $50/person.
Breakfast, dockside bar and food trucks are walk-up options and may be paid by cash or credit on site. Waterfront Luau registration is available through the Dinner, Shuttle and Housing Registration link above.
Live Music
Doc Lohn (Nate Lohn)
Saturday | 8:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m
Join us as we kick off a day on the waterfront with Doc Lohn (Nate Lohn), a talented Southern Maryland musician whose performances span generations and genres. After first picking up the guitar at age 12, Nate served proudly in the U.S. Army as a combat medic before returning to music, finding it to be both a creative outlet and a source of renewal.
Today, with more than 20 years of musical experience, Doc Lohn delivers an engaging mix of favorites—from Frank Sinatra and Louis Armstrong to country, classic rock, '80s and '90s hits, reggae, grunge, and more. Since launching his solo career in 2021, he has become a local favorite, captivating audiences with his warm stage presence, versatile repertoire, and passion for live performance. Whether you're looking to sing along, dance, or simply relax with great music, Doc Lohn offers something for everyone.
Doc Lohn Music (Facebook)
doclohnmusic (IG)
CAISO Steel Band
Saturday | 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Bring the energy of the Caribbean to your evening with CAISO Steel Band (Caribbean American International Steel Orchestra), one of the premier steel drum ensembles in the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia region. For more than 30 years, CAISO has delighted audiences with an exciting blend of calypso, soca, reggae, Latin jazz, and island favorites, creating an unforgettable tropical atmosphere wherever they perform.
Known for their polished musicianship and vibrant sound, CAISO has headlined festivals and community celebrations, opened for legendary acts including the Beach Boys and Jimmy Buffett, and performed at major events throughout the DMV and internationally. Whether performing as a full four-piece ensemble or a smaller group, CAISO delivers the infectious rhythms and joyful spirit of the Caribbean that will have audiences smiling, dancing, and celebrating all evening long.
Tony Roy & Yawd Lynk
Saturday | 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Experience the vibrant sounds of Tony Roy, an acclaimed reggae artist whose career has taken him from St. Thomas, Jamaica, to stages across the United States and beyond. A lifelong musician, Tony first gained recognition as the lead singer and drummer of The Chosen People before launching a successful solo career built on his signature blend of authentic reggae rhythms and soulful vocals.
Now based in the U.S., Tony Roy has performed alongside reggae legends including Beres Hammond, Buju Banton, Michael Rose, Sister Carol, and Alpha Blondy. An award-winning artist, he has earned multiple DC Reggae Awards, including Best Male Vocalist, with chart-topping hits such as "Just Gwaan" and the acclaimed "Hungry for Your Love." Audiences can look forward to an energetic performance filled with classic reggae grooves, original music, and the unmistakable spirit of Jamaica.
Tony Roy (Facebook)
Tony Roy (Website)
Tony Roy Official Video
About Gov Cup
The SMCM Governor’s Cup Yacht Race is the Chesapeake Bay’s oldest overnight sailing competition, beginning in Annapolis and finishing the next day at the College’s waterfront on the St. Mary’s River. For more than fifty years, the race has ebbed and flowed like the tide—some treasure the challenge, others love the afterparty. Either way, it’s a chance to be part of sailing history.
The race has evolved over the years, adding three additional legs besides the main 70-mile route from Annapolis: the Potomac Leg that starts in Dahlgren; the Solomons Island Leg; and the Fishing Bay Leg starting from the Piankatank River in Virginia. We highly encourage all our friends in the community to join us from wherever they may hail on the Chesapeake—regardless of whether they race or not! Cruise on over, drop anchor, hop aboard our complimentary tender service and join us for the shoreside festivities and fun.
Born of a dream shared by two students and a recent grad, Pete Sarelas and Russell Baker, ’75, and Dale Rausch, ’71, this annual tradition was established in 1974.
"Sailors of all types and experience levels will hope they are on even keels and that they have fair winds this weekend as they take part in the 52nd annual Governor’s Cup sailing race."
- Michael Reid, mreid@somdnews.com
Ted Koppel and Henry Miller on the scene at Governor's Cup in 1987
Thank you to our 2026 Sponsors
Harkins Builders, Inc.
See You Soon!
Awards
Saturday | 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Celebrate this year’s fastest of the fleet in style at the James P. Muldoon River Center on the Teddy Turner Waterfront. In addition to the winners of each class for the four races, PRO Adam Werblow and Director of Sailing Bill Ward will present the Annapolis special awards, including the SMCM Alumni Trophy, the Steve Bickell Memorial "Most Improved" award and the Joseph A. Waldschmitt “Best in Fleet” trophy, in accordance with the NOR and Sailing Instructions.
Music for Maryland St. Mary’s County: Sunset Serenades
Friday | 7 p.m.
Nancy R. and Norton T. Dodge Performing Arts Center
For over a century, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) has been recognized as one of America’s leading orchestras and one of Maryland’s most significant cultural institutions. We’re thrilled to have them down by the St. Mary’s River, especially during one of our favorite summertime events. Learn more details on the SMCM calendar online.
Ticket registration is open now, so don’t delay, "Pay what you wish." General Admission. Seating will be first come, first serve.
Our Campus
We’ve learned through years of trial and error that we really don’t need to “force the fun” when you visit St. Mary’s College of Maryland. Our bucolic riverside campus ranks among the best in the nation for sheer natural beauty. You honestly have to see it to believe it.
We invite you to take a walk along the brick path, toss a disc along our treasured frisbee golf course or find a nice spot in the shade to read a book or take a nap. Just keep an eye out for some of our resident stars, like Meatball the tabby cat, turtles, geese, squirrels and, of course, our eponymous seahawks.
Athletics & Recreation Center Hours (Free)
Friday | 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday | 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Sunday | CLOSED
Take advantage of the weight room, climbing wall, sports equipment and swimming pool (open Saturday only) at the Michael P. O’Brien Athletics & Recreation Center. Photo ID is required to check out the sports equipment.
Campus Store & Daily Grind Hours ($)
Friday | 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday | 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday | 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Alumni can save 20% on all SMCM logo gear and grab a coffee or smoothie around the corner at the Daily Grind on the first floor of the Campus Center, just a short walk on the path from the James P. Muldoon River Center crossing Route 5.
Our Neighbor, HSMC
Racers will have no trouble recognizing our RC ship, The Maryland Dove, when they cross the finish line at Church Point. The Maryland Dove is a rebuilt 17th-century coastal trading vessel. Classed as a pinnace, it evokes the original Dove -- the smaller of two ships that made the voyage to Maryland in 1634. It's worth noting that The Maryland Dove is captained by none other than SMCM alumna, Angela (Wilt) Laaro '15!
Historic St. Mary’s City (HSMC) is a National Historic Landmark and one of Southern Maryland’s leading tourism attractions. The outdoor living history museum commemorates the fourth permanent English settlement in North America, Maryland’s first city and for sixty-one years, its colonial capital. It’s the perfect place to stretch your legs—and your imagination—after a long night on the water.
Saturday | 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Celebrate this year’s fastest of the fleet in style at the James P. Muldoon River Center on the Teddy Turner Waterfront. In addition to the winners of each class for the four races, PRO Adam Werblow and Director of Sailing Bill Ward will present the Annapolis special awards, including the SMCM Alumni Trophy, the Steve Bickell Memorial "Most Improved" award and the Joseph A. Waldschmitt “Best in Fleet” trophy, in accordance with the NOR and Sailing Instructions.
The Teddy Turner Waterfront
Our waterfront facilities are the perfect headquarters for friends, family and alumni eagerly awaiting the arrival of our Gov Cup racers. Spread out along the beaches, lawns and docks of the Teddy Turner Waterfront, named for the former Board of Trustees member of the College. Play lawn games, swap stories with friends new and old and enjoy a drink from our waterfront bar—open all day long.
The James P. Muldoon River Center
When you need a bit of cool and quiet, step inside our beautiful River Center “Awesome Room” for a break, a nap or to browse our archival photo and trophy collection commemorating the College’s most memorable moments on the St. Mary’s River. Named for former trustee and Gov Cup competitor James P. Muldoon, this space quickly became the heart of the waterfront upon its completion in 2008. From College Sailing Nationals to the Olympics, St. Mary’s College of Maryland sailors have made history on the water around the world.
Schedule
Click the dropdown accordion to read the full schedule of events.