The Ficker Cup Match Race was established by Long Beach Yacht Club to honor Bill Ficker, world class Star champion in the 50s and winner of the 1970 America’s Cup as skipper of the 12-meter class yacht Intrepid.
During Intrepid’s 1970 America’s Cup campaign, the phrase “Ficker is quicker” was coined --- later changed to “Ficker was quicker” when he beat Gretel II to win the cup. Bill also was the winner of the Congressional Cup in 1974.
Ficker Cup is a World Tour WS grade 2 qualifier event for Congressional Cup. The top three skippers from this event will receive the final two invitations to the event for the 2024 World Match Race Tour, Congressional Cup, hosted by Long Beach Yacht Club.