Some Masters Off Slow in Congressional Cup

The news conference stole the show from the sailing after the first day of the Congressional Cup Masters Regatta at Long Beach Monday.

As the format for the 31st event deviated to former winners only, Dave Perry, who won in 1983 and ‘84, acknowledged Bill Ficker (‘74) seated next to him by saying, “I watched Bill win the America’s Cup in 1970. . . . saw every race. I was enamored with his ability.”

Ficker quipped, “You could have shown a little more respect today.”

Ficker was one of Perry’s three victims in four races and, along with Ted Turner (‘77), one of two America’s Cup winners to go 0-4 on the day.

Scott Allan (‘67) defeated brother Skip (‘68) by four seconds to join Dennis Durgan (’79 and ‘80) in first place at 4-0. Perry, Henry Sprague (‘69) and Harold Cudmore (‘86) are 3-1.

The match racing continues for 18 sets through Friday.