Watching the 3-2-1: Best Spectator & Photo Ops in Sailing

Tacking duels, fake jibes, “emergency spins” to exonerate fouls: all these wild maneuvers and more will be on display this weekend, as AYC sailors take on the New York Yacht Club and five other teams in the innovative 3-2-1 regatta.

Sailors in the know predict on-the-water excitement rivaling spectacles like Australian 18’s jibing in big breeze, or Volvo round the world boats romping through heavy seas. And, unlike these other examples, the 3-2-1 event lends itself to local spectating and action photography.

“This event will provide a fantastic opportunity to watch the excitement, take great pictures, and cheer for a favorite team,” said Derick Lynch, co-chair of AYC’s Adult Interclub Committee. He predicted that the race courses will be set up in the Severn River quite close to the club, “where our members and the public can easily watch from their own boats.”

Lynch explained that “team racing involves very aggressive boat handling, with the boats in close proximity and continuous breath-taking maneuvers to either block an opponent, or to break free.” He added that the match racing component of the event poses just as much challenge of boat handling skills, while testing a blend of nerve, timing, and knowledge of the rules.

Referring to the aforementioned racing of Australian skiffs and round the world boats, Lynch opined that “there may be a few examples of sailing action a bit more exciting, but you need a helicopter to watch; this is right in our back yard!”

In addition to the New York Yacht Club team, there will be competitors from Newport Harbor Yacht Club, Fishing Bay Yacht Club, “The Rhodies” from Ida Lewis and Bristol Yacht Clubs, as well as our neighbors from Severn Sailing Association in addition to AYC’s Interclub Team Members.

AYC wishes to thank presenting sponsor Barbados Tourism Marketing, Inc., for their support as well as the VIP sponsors: David A. Morrow-Maritime Insurance International, Lessans Praley & McCormick P.A., Herman Born and Sons, and The General Ship Repair Corporation. In addition to the sponsors just mentioned, there are event partners who will certainly make the social side of things more enjoyable: thanks to Mount Gay Rum, Jackson Family Wines, and Forward Beer. The regatta will be sailed just outside of Annapolis Harbor, Sep 13-15.

It will be easy to locate the action this weekend; look for the J-22s, J-30s, and committee boats just outside the Annapolis Harbor.