DC Sail’s Cantina Cup: Sail, Spectate by Schooner, or Party!

DC Sail’s Cantina Cup Is Here

This year for its 12th annual Cantina Cup and Fundraising event September 14, DC Sail has partnered with the Potomac River Sailing Association with hopes to garner more boats on the water for the racing event. Among participating boats are Flying Scot and Flying Junior fleets, Albacores, Buccaneers, Flying Juniors, Flying Scots, Inland Scow 20s, Lasers, Lightnings, and multihulls.


Photo by Tom Sliter

The Cantina Cup was created as an annual event to bring together DC Sail’s members and local sailing organizations to support DC Sail’s mission of promoting and sustaining affordable, educational, recreational, and competitive sailing programs for area youth in a fun and safe environment.

In 2019, DC Sail will have issued over $20,000 in scholarship value to children to participate in its summer camps and High School Racing Program via its Youth Scholarship Program. Cantina Cup’s financial support directly impacts DC Sail’s ability to provide this community benefit to children ages seven to 17 who would otherwise have limited access to sailing and boating safety programs in DC. With support from the public by participating, donating, and attending its annual fundraising events, DC Sail hopes to provide even more scholarship opportunities in 2020.

At this year’s regatta, guests may board the “Cantina Cup Spectator Boat,” the organization’s 65-foot doublemasted schooner American Spirit. The schooner will travel to the various race courses and provide an outstanding venue for non-regatta participants to view the racing action. The passenger cost of $50 each will include light snacks and cold beverages. The sail is open to the public. (Must be age 21-plus to attend the Cantina Cup Spectator Boat).

The Cantina Cup After Party will take place the same day from 5 to 10 p.m. at Cantina Bambina on the Transit Pier located at The Wharf in southwest DC. The evening—which is open to the public—will showcase the Regatta Awards Ceremony plus live band entertainment. No cover charge and minors are welcome when accompanied by an adult. Learn more about the party here.

It’s been a great week for DC Sail, as it has just been chosen as a US Sailing Siebel Sailing Program Center. Stay tuned for more on this development.