GOVCUP: Largest-ever crowd for Monday's Welcoming Dinner and "Meet the Teams" show; fa

NEWPORT BEACH, CA (#1167) – The 53rd Governor's Cup, the prestigious international youth match racing championship hosted annually by Balboa Yacht Club, got underway last evening with the traditional Welcome Dinner and "Meet the Teams." Emcee and youth match racing guru Andy Rose was at his enlightening and entertaining best, politely poking fun at some of the 12 skippers and crews from six countries: AUS, DEN, GBR, NZL, SWE and USA.

However, the veteran skippers, having learned from past years, came prepared and at least got even with "Mr Rose." Arguably Leonard "Leo" Takahashi (NZL, Royal New Zealand YS), who has been runner-up the last two years, got the better of Andy once or twice with some smooth but hilariously clever retorts.

You can watch a replay of the hour-long show here. It's already had over 1,300 views – apologies for the audio echo that came and went during the program; esteemed GovCup TV Producer/Director Chris Bretschger reports it has been fixed for future live-streams.

BYC "super snapper" Tom Walker covered last night's soiree. See his gallery of beaut photos, including all twelve teams, here.

Andy Rose introducing teams (mics in hand) skippered by David Wood team (USA, Balboa YC) and Clare Costanzo (AUS, Royal Prince Alfred YC).

300 guests enjoyed the 53rd Governor's Cup Welcome Dinner and "Meet the Teams" – the largest such crowd ever.

Racing gets underway today (Tuesday) at 11:30a in the Pacific Ocean off Newport Beach, and runs through Saturday in the 12 identical GovCup 22s designed by BYC Staff Commodore Alan Andrews. After a double-round robin Tuesday through Friday, the top four teams advance to knockout Semi-finals, with the winners racing off Saturday in a first-to-win-three Finals. Racing on Friday and Saturday will be live-streamed on the GovCup Facebook page beginning at 11:30a Pacific Time.