Washington D.C. – Once again avocados, the world-renowned superfood, prove they are trendsetting trailblazers – this time in the world of competitive sailing. Following the tradition of the Lipton Cup (as Lipton Tea was wildly popular in the early 1900’s), the World Avocado Cup embodies the iconic avocado as the quintessential food of our time. The World Avocado Organization (WAO) and the San Diego Yacht Club (SDYC) debut the World Avocado Cup Regatta set in the heart of San Diego Bay on July 13-14, 2019.
“It is my sincere pleasure to partner with the SDYC, and Commodore Jerelyn W. Biehl, for the inaugural World Avocado Cup Regatta. Hosting the first regatta in one of the top avocado-producing areas in the world seemed like a natural fit in promoting the healthy life-style that avocados represent. Co-hosted together with the Peruvian Avocado Commission (PAC), the regatta is set in an idyllic location featuring world-class sportsmanship,” said Xavier Equihua, President & CEO of WAO.
Inspired by the avocado industry’s vibrant sailing communities of many WAO partners, this one-ofa-kind event highlights the global origins of this celebrated superfood.
“The World Avocado Cup Regatta marks the first time in the SDYC’s prestigious and venerated history, collaborating with an international food commission to host such an event. We are proud to represent our beautiful city and showcase the exciting world of sailing with our superb fleet and sailing venue,” said Commodore Biehl, Commodore of the San Diego Yacht Club.
Located along the beautiful San Diego skyline, among historical landmarks, spectators will have an ideal view of this fun and competitive race from the breathtaking waterfront stadium sailing venue in San Diego Bay. Throughout the event, invited guests will enjoy a wide variety of avocado cuisine from several avocado-producing countries and even have an opportunity to try avocado beer. Music by BIG TRUTH Band will add to the festivities.
Skilled local sailors will crew a fleet of SDYC’s impressive J/22 sailboats. The sailboats represent ten different nations from some of the top avocado-producing countries in the world, including Peru, Tanzania, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Portugal, Mozambique, Spain, Colombia, and California representing the USA. The boats will feature sails and spinnakers with the flags and logos of the ten participating countries. The winning crew will be awarded a sterling silver avocado cup.
The San Diego Yacht Club is located on a 4-acre campus at the foot of Point Loma, adjacent to
Shelter Island with quick access to San Diego Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The professional staff at SDYC produces showstopping events to members and guests all year. Set amid stunning backdrops, like the San Diego skyline, world famous San Diego Maritime Museum and Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum, Harbor Cruise concessions, and the famous Coronado Bridge, the World Avocado Cup Regatta is sure to be one of the premier events of the year.
More details about the event can be found at: worldavocadocup.com.
WORLD AVOCADO ORGANIZATION (WAO)
Established in 2016, the World Avocado Organization is an international association representing the leading producers, exporters and importers of avocados, including Peru, South Africa, Colombia, Spain, Tanzania, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Mexico and the United States. The primary objective of the association is to spread the word of the avocado around the world and to promote its consumption thanks to its nutritional values and its recognized health benefits.
SAN DIEGO YACHT CLUB (SDYC)
Since its founding in 1886, the SDYC has aspired to “Encourage and foster interest in all aspects of yachting.” SDYC’s highly engaged members, state-of-the-art facilities, thrilling races, vibrant social atmosphere, and extensive community outreach prove SDYC is the best that sailing has to offer.
- Recognized by Club Leaders Forum as a Platinum Club (Top 5% in the U.S.), and ranked as the #2 yacht club in the USA
- Founding Member of the National Sailing Hall of Fame
- Multiple Awards and Achievements for Military and Community Support
- Current and past home of several world-famous regatta cups including the Americas Cup and the Lipton Cup
- The Malin Burnham Sailing Center and other recent buildings are LEED Gold Certified
