The First Lawler Cup Regatta and Its Claim to Fame
There’s a line up of regattas each season on The San Francisco Bay, but the Lawler Cup Regatta truly stands out. It may not harken the fanciest boats in the bay, but arguably it does create amazing connection, community and one wild time. And there is a great story to share.
The Lawler Cup Regatta started in 2013 when it was clear we needed to honor Frank Lawler, the master racer of Tactful, Santana 22. It wasn’t just that Frank beat everybody on The Bay and as we were convinced he could literally smell eddies and tide lines. Frank had something else that was unique, different than most people. He would sneak onto the SEA docks when no one was there and do things that most people wouldn’t . . . until he got caught red handed. Yes, he was fixing boats without anyone knowing. For too long members were stumped about who it could be. Frank would sneak in when no one was looking to avoid any and all potential kudos. But we got him. And given we were a tough group, we made him pay for it, with a special regatta in his name to honor him and that amazing value of giving.
I won’t claim it was the prettiest race. The start line with four Catalinas and six Picos filled with adults and kids racing against each other took on a competitive edge that not many egos can handle. Yes, the kids beat up toward China Camp, the destination, leaving the adults in the proverbial dust. Apparently, race directions were not clear and there was great confusion about exactly which beach was the finish line, Wayne McIntosh, the lead counsellor (an adult), capsized midway and despite his hypothermic conditions, got back into his Pico and took off losing confidence fast as his young counsellors left him behind. There was a race to win.
I’m not going to lie. Expletives were flying in the wind as adult egos were popped one by one. . . all for the glory of winning a race with a trophy that needs defining.
When I had plotted this idea, I called up Frank to make sure he’d be there at the race, given it was in his name, after all. There was no budget for the race, but I had found an old pewter cup for $1.99 at the Goodwill and asked Frank, since he was a metal artist/worker, if he could do something with it. “Bring it by!” he said. And within a week SEA had their first glorified Pewter First Cup Trophy customised by Frank Lawler himself, complete with engravings and more. Filled with chocolates, it was clear that the ante was up and we had racers who wanted it!
The sails flew like birds across San Pablo Bay with tremendous joy,, but alas there was a protest at the finish line. Three youth claimed victory, including SEA long time counsellor Nicholas Duro. And with good spirit, they shared the chocolates, receiving their fanciful reception on top of the Dezzie with banners and good cheer. Other ribbons that had been found in the basement of SEA and dusted off (yes, they were about 20 years old) were shared with all who participated in that fantastic race - and, believe it or not, people fought over them!
Before long, burgers, hotdogs, brownies and all that good stuff got fired up on the Dezzie and the group shared an afternoon bliss like no other, giving evidence to that old adage that joy is not about the kind of boat that you sail, but truly about the people you sail with. Our little race even made it into Latitude 38, the same issue featuring America’s Cup Racing on The SF Bay!
A little bit about Nicholas Duro. Soon after that big race Nicholas gave a speech to the Marin Yacht Club commodore and members during a special lunch event in an effort to build more connection and show gratitude for their long standing support. Nicholas had shared how sailing, especially with SEA, had been formative. Starting at age eight and for eight years following, he had been involved with SEA every summer and had become one of the most skilled and favored counsellors. He talked about leadership skills and how sailing impacted him personally. The commodore and members was so smitten with his speech that the commodore himself said they were proud to have SEA at their yacht club. During the event it was revealed that Nicholas came from an incredible family line of sailors and racers, such as his grandfather who had been commodore of the St. Francis Yacht Club. And like Frank, Nicholas continued to help SEA, giving support to the camp counsellors and to the director at the time without asking for kudos.
Though Frank Lawler has retired from sailing, we do get to see the next generation fly, and Nicholas has surely done exactly that. Today Nicholas Duro has become a business leader and global entrepreneur working in Asia and Europe. And as for sailing? Nicholas bought a boat in England, a Kelpie, a 1903 19m (62 foot) Gaff Cutter, and continues to sail and race. In fact, a recent highlight for him at the helm was a neck to neck race in the English Channel against the Tuiga, the Monaco Yacht Club’s official yacht, and Richard Mille, the famed billionaire watch brand founder as competitors.
We won’t tell you who won.
You never know in life. . . but we do know one thing for sure, SEA gets to boast that Nicholas Duro, who today races with the top dogs, played a big part in SEA and SEA is better off today because of him. And we are sure that The Lawler First Cup Trophy stands proudly next to any fanciful International cups Nicholas might be awarded as it’s likely he’s collecting many, keeping his sailing heritage strong.
Thank you, Nicholas Duro, for all of your contributions to SEA and we wish you great happiness! And, we do have to concede that the old adage could use an update - for we’d all find joy sailing Nicholas's boat!
Be sure to get onboard with the next Lawler Cup. Who knows where the race will take YOU in life!
Race to China Camp with pot luck lunch ashore, Free. Details and exact timing TBD - Saturday, August 24, 10am-2
