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Governor’s Cup Yacht Race

Signature Events / Governor’s Cup Yacht Race

Experience the Chesapeake Bay’s oldest and longest-running overnight sailboat race—the SMCM Governor’s Cup!

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!

  • A large, historic sailing ship with three masts and full white sails, the Baltimore Pride II, moves across a body of water under a partly cloudy sky, displaying American and Maryland flags.
  • Several sailboats with colorful sails race on the water, with a large cargo ship and more boats visible in the background. One is named Mischief
  • Dozens of sailboats and motorboats are docked at a marina on a calm lake, with people visible on some boats and along the shore. Governor's Cup 1991
  • A wooden sailing ship with multiple masts, The Maryland Dove, is anchored near the shore by Church Point as a small rowboat with one person passes in the foreground. Trees line the background.
  • Dozens of sailboats docked side by side at a marina, with many people gathered on the boats and docks; trees frame the top of the image. Governor's Cup, 1989
  • A large sailboat with tan sails labeled "Challenge America" sails on the ocean, crew members in colorful jackets are visible on deck.
Several sailboats are docked at a marina with calm water, trees, and a wooden building visible in the background under a cloudy sky.

How to Race

Race Information & Resources

Join the Race by registering on nextSailor! Choose one of four courses: the classic, 70-mile Annapolis Leg; the Potomac Leg starting from Dahlgren; the Solomons Island Leg; and the Fishing Bay Leg starting from the Piankatank River in Virginia.

The race’s yacht classes for scoring 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 are given such as 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.

Housing

Townhouse on the Greens

Enjoy a riverfront view from the Townhouse Green, featuring a communal bathroom, living room, dining room and a full-sized kitchen with refrigerator and stove. Two bedrooms with two twin, x-large beds in each room. All units are air-conditioned.

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 one or two twin, x-large beds in each room and access to a shared communal bathroom. All units are air-conditioned.

A row of brick buildings lines the background behind large trees and a grassy lawn under a partly cloudy sky.
Queen Anne Hall dormitory at sunset with a view of the St. Mary's River.
People gather under tall trees near a marina with boats docked, tents set up for an event, and a building with a "DAY ON THE WATER" sign.
A group of people socialize at a dimly lit bar decorated with green string lights, with several TVs showing sports in the background.
A sailboat is docked at a waterfront with historic brick buildings and a large domed structure in the background at sunset.

Transportation

Tender Boat Service (Free)

Saturday | 6 a.m. - 12:30 a.m.
Sunday | 7 a.m. - 12:00 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 (12:15 a.m.). The service will reopen on Sunday morning from 7 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Campus Shuttle Service (Free)

Saturday | 6 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Get around campus with stops at the James P. Muldoon River Center, Daugherty-Palmer Commons/Townhouse Green (housing) and Queen Anne Residence Hall (showers and housing).

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 | 6:30 p.m.
Hop aboard the shuttle service to the Annapolis City Dock. The shuttle will depart promptly at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday from the St. Mary's City Post Office (across the street from the River Center). Please endeavor to arrive at least 30 minutes early to allow time for loading luggage and arranging seating.

Dining

Breakfast at the Parish Hall ($)

Saturday | 6 a.m. – 12 p.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 fresh-made pancakes, sausage, bacon, scrambled eggs, potato casserole, assorted muffins, pastries, juice, hot tea and coffee. $18/per person.

All Day Bar ($)

Saturday | 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Unwind with a signature cocktail (Bloody Mary, Rum Punch, Dark and Stormy), 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. – 8 p.m.
Enjoy lunch from one of our many local food trucks, featuring seafood, burgers, sandwiches, salads and more.

All dining options are walk-up, pay by cash/credit on site.

A group of people eat and socialize at tables in a brightly lit community dining hall decorated with floral tablecloths and wall art.
Three people in tie-dye shirts stand behind a drink booth under a "St. Mary's College Alumni Association" tent at an outdoor event. Signs list cocktail and bar menu options.
Two men stand outside a Wildewood BBQ Co. food truck; one arranges condiments on a table, while the other holds a drink near the ordering window and menu board.
  • A man in a blue shirt and cap plays harmonica into a microphone while three other musicians perform on guitars outdoors.
  • A five-member band performs on an outdoor stage in front of a brick building while people watch from the grass.
  • A woman wearing sunglasses and denim clothes sings and plays an acoustic guitar on an outdoor stage with a brick wall backdrop.
  • Three musicians perform on a covered patio, playing steel drums and keyboard, while a small audience stands nearby watching and taking photos.

Live Music

Baltimore Symphony Orchestra
(Pay what you wish)

Friday | 7 p.m.
We’re thrilled to have one of Maryland’s most significant cultural institutions down by the river. Learn more & book tickets.

Live Music by TBD (Free)

Saturday | 8 a.m. – 11 a.m.
TBD

Live Music by C.A.I.S.O. (Free)

Saturday | 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Kick off your shoes (or flipflops) and embrace the rhythm of Caribbean American International Steel Orchestra, the mid-Atlantic region’s most popular steel drum band.

Live Music by Marilyn Hucek (Free)

Saturday | 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Sing along with the talented Marilyn Hucek ’14, whose vibrant melodies and heartfelt lyrics are influenced by her personal journey and experiences, offering an authentic and captivating musical experience.

Live Music by Marilyn Hucek (Free)

Saturday | 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Wind down with the second set by the talented Marilyn Hucek ’14.

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.

A group of people socializing outdoors on a sunny day; two men and a woman in the foreground smiling and talking, with drinks in hand. Ted Koppel and Henry Miller at the Governor's Cup party, 1987

Ted Koppel and Henry Miller on the scene at Governor's Cup in 1987

See You Soon!

  • A group of people sits on white chairs facing a stage with a "WELCOME RACERS!" banner outside a two-story brick building on a sunny day.
  • A group of people sits and stands outdoors near a marina with sailboats, kayaks, and canoes, attending an event by the water.
  • Catamarans and sailboats docked at a marina during sunset, with calm water reflecting the orange and pink hues of the sky.
  • People gather by a marina with sailboats, talking and standing near trees on a sunny day. Some wear colorful event shirts and hats, with boats and water in the background.
  • People gather under a St. Mary’s College Alumni Association tent at an outdoor event near a waterfront, with tables, coolers, and a building in the background.
  • A crowd of people gathers outside a clubhouse-style building with a "Welcome Racers!" banner, sitting and standing around tables and chairs on the lawn.

College Flickr Albums

SpinSheet Galleries

Zero Year Reunion

Class of 2025 Exclusive!

We know you’ve only been away for a few months, but it feels like years, right? Meatball, Izzy and Solomon insisted that we check in to see how you’re doing out in the real world, now that the whirlwind of capstone deadlines, finals, commencement and packing and moving are in the rearview mirror.

Meatball the Cat portraitIzzy the Turtle portraitSolomon the Seahawk mascot portrait

The trio told us they think it’s the perfect time for you to take a breather down by the river. We agree, so we’re inviting all our Class of 2025 grads back to the river one more time before the summer ends! Gather your friends, take advantage of exclusive Zero Year Reunion pricing, pack inner tubes you snagged at our Almost Alumni Cookout in the spring and join us at the waterfront to watch the yachts roll in.

A crowd of people enjoy a sunny day at a sandy lakeside beach in front of a large white building with a wooden roof. SMCM Waterfront William E. Seale Rowing Center
People relax on a sandy beach by a river, with kayaks and boats in the water. A sign in the foreground reads, "Oysters are good for the river, but don't ruin your weekend!. SMCM Teddy Turner Waterfront
People relax on a dock and float in the water by a lake, with sailboats and trees in the background under a partly cloudy sky. SMCM Teddy Turner Waterfront

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.

Two SMCM 1970s Alumni follow Meatball the tabby cat along a campus path, surrounded by trees and greenery.
A brick building with a large banner reading "GO SEAHAWKS" on the wall, surrounded by green trees, under a blue sky with scattered clouds. MPOARC athletics and recreation facility at SMCM
People gather outdoors in a brick courtyard with trees, a white tent, and a building with balconies; a sign reads “Campus Central Dining Hall.” SMCM Campus Center Patio

Page through a few of our Mulberry Magazine stories! Click an image to learn more.

The Maryland Dove, a historic wooden sailing ship with tall masts and flags is anchored near a wooded shoreline on a calm, sunny day, acting as RC ship during the SMCM Governor's Cup Yacht Race
A brick pathway leads to the entrance of a historic brick building labeled "1676 State House," surrounded by trimmed hedges and a wooden sign with the building's name and illustration, at Historic St. Mary's City, MD.
A group of people walk along a wooden dock toward a historic sailing ship, The Maryland Dove, moored by a lake under a bright blue sky at Historic St. Mary's City

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.

Shoreside Schedule, August 1-3, 2025

Race Start & Finish

Cruisers and other boat classes set sail on Friday around 3:00 p.m., followed by the faster ORC & PHRF A boats at 5:00 p.m. and the Solomons, Potomac and Fishing Bay courses around 6:00 p.m. All boats will finish between the Church Point cross and the new Maryland Dove at St. Mary's City on Saturday.

Housing Check-in Hours

Friday | 4 p.m. – 10 p.m. (Alumni)

Preregistration Required to Reserve Housing
Stop by the Office of Public Safety to check in and pick up your keys and overnight housing information. Office of Public Safety

Saturday | 6 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Alumni & Sailors)

Preregistration Required to Reserve Housing
Stop by the River Center lifeguard station to check in and pick up your keys and overnight housing information. James P. Muldoon River Center

Friday, August 1

Baltimore Symphony Orchestra | 7 p.m.

Preregistration Recommended
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. Online Ticket registration is open now, "Pay what you wish." General Admission. Seating will be first come, first serve. Nancy R. and Norton T. Dodge Performing Arts Center Free Event

Green Door Tavern Shuttle Service | 7 p.m. – 12 a.m.

Preregistration Recommended
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. Shuttle Stops: Daugherty-Palmer Commons Circle and Queen Anne Residence Hall $10/passenger online (or $20 cash on site)

Saturday, August 2

Campus Shuttle Service | 6 a.m. – 7 p.m.

No Preregistration – Walk-ups Welcome
Get around campus with stops at the James P. Muldoon River Center, Daugherty-Palmer Commons/Townhouse Green (housing) and Queen Anne Residence Hall (showers and housing). Free Service

Breakfast at the Parish Hall | 6 a.m. – 12 p.m.

No Preregistration – Walk-ups Welcome
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, waffles, fruit compote, bagels, muffins, coffee and iced tea. St. Mary’s Parish Hall $16/person – pay on site

Tender Boat Service | 6 a.m. (Saturday) – 12:30 a.m. (Sunday)

No Preregistration – Service Courtesy of SMCM
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. – 10 a.m. Waterfront Pier Free Service

Dockside Drinks (Bar Open)  | 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.

No Preregistration – Walk-ups Welcome
Unwind with a signature cocktail (Bloody Mary, Rum Punch, Dark and Stormy), glass of wine, beer or non-alcoholic beverage. A portion of the proceeds and tips will support the SMCM Alumni Legacy Scholarship. Teddy Turner Waterfront Cash or Credit Card – pay on site

Merchandise Sales | 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.

No Preregistration – Walk-ups Welcome
Pick up some fashionable logo apparel to commemorate this historic race. Teddy Turner Waterfront Cash or Credit Card – pay on site

Live Music by TBD | 8 a.m. – 11 a.m.

No Preregistration – Walk-ups Welcome
Sit back and enjoy the first act of the day with music from local legend, Dave Norris, whose soulful acoustic tunes and rich storytelling captivate audiences with their authenticity and warmth. Teddy Turner Waterfront Free Event

Lunch & Dinner Food Truck Vendors | 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.

No Preregistration – Walk-ups Welcome
Enjoy delicious fare from one of our many local food trucks, featuring seafood, burgers, sandwiches, salads and more. River Center Parking Lot Cash or Credit Card – pay on site

Live Music by C.A.I.S.O. | 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

No Preregistration – Walk-ups Welcome
Kick off your shoes (or flipflops) and embrace the rhythm of Caribbean American International Steel Orchestra, the mid-Atlantic region’s most popular steel drum band. Teddy Turner Waterfront Free Event

Live Music by Marilyn Hucek | 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.

No Preregistration – Walk-ups Welcome
Sing along with the talented Marilyn Hucek ’14, whose vibrant melodies and heartfelt lyrics are influenced by her personal journey and experiences, offering an authentic and captivating musical experience. Teddy Turner Waterfront Free Event

Awards Ceremony | 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.

No Preregistration – Walk-ups Welcome
Celebrate this year’s fastest of the fleet. 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. Teddy Turner Waterfront Free Event

Live Music by Marilyn Hucek | 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.

No Preregistration – Walk-ups Welcome
Wind down with the second set by the talented Marilyn Hucek ’14, whose vibrant melodies and heartfelt lyrics are influenced by her personal journey and experiences, offering an authentic and captivating musical experience. Teddy Turner Waterfront Free Event

Annapolis Shuttle Service | 6:30 p.m.

Preregistration Required
Hop aboard the shuttle service to the Annapolis City Dock. The shuttle will depart promptly at 6:30 p.m. St. Mary’s City Post Office $30/passenger

Green Door Tavern Shuttle Service | 7 p.m. – 12 a.m.

Preregistration Recommended
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. Shuttle Stops: James P. Muldoon River Center, Daugherty-Palmer Commons Circle and Queen Anne Residence Hall $10/passenger online (or $20 cash on site)

Last Tender Boat | 12:15 a.m.

No Preregistration – Service Courtesy of SMCM
Get to the waterfront pier by quarter after midnight, or you may have to sleep on it! Waterfront Pier Free Service

Sunday, August 3

Breakfast on the Go | 7 a.m. – 10 a.m.

No Preregistration – Walk-ups Welcome
Stop by our local food truck to pick up a hearty breakfast sandwich and a refreshing drink before you head back home. James P. Muldoon River Center Parking Lot Cash or Credit Card – pay on site

Tender Boat Service | 7 a.m. – 12 p.m.

No Preregistration – Service Courtesy of SMCM
Travel seamlessly from your boat to the waterfront pier with our tender boat service, available until noon. Waterfront Pier Free Event

Check-out & Key Return

Sunday | Before 12 p.m. (Noon)

Leave your housing keys in the drop-off boxes located in the Queen Anne Residence Hall lobby or in front of the main entrance to Daugherty-Palmer Commons.

Contact Us

Office of Events & Conferences

events@smcm.edu

(240) 895-3060