AYC Double Handed Distance Race Success

Months in the planning, including ensuring that safety requirements for both the boats and crew were met and that the weather cooperated for the course chosen by the PRO, Jim Capron, Sunday afternoon the last of the 17 boats entered in the event crossed the finish line at 16:29:23. Seventeen teams in two classes started in brisk southerly breezes around noon Saturday. After reaching out of the river to the Bay, they turned right and beat down the Bay with decreasing wind which eventually went to nothing. Around midnight, the first teams began rounding Hooper Island Lighthouse in drifting conditions. Eventually the whole fleet rounded the lighthouse and the wind turned to northerly, so they had to beat all the way back up the bay, zig zagging their way around various required marks. The breeze continued to build to about 15 knots so they had a challenging ride back home. Due to the light winds and no wind during the night, the teams were later than expected getting towards home. The Race Committee wisely shortened the courses out in the bay rather than finishing all the way into the AYC Clubhouse. This enabled us to complete the racing in about 24 hours which was the goal. The tired racers were able to sail the rest of the way home, shower, and come to a fun Awards Party afterwards at the Main Clubhouse.





Our winners in the J/105 one-design class were Randy Smyth and Christina Persson in first sailing Mirage, Midshipman Don Poirier and Nancy Haberland in second sailing Avenger, and Will Bomar and Bri Grenier in third sailing Peregrine. The first two boats had Olympians on board and were only 26 seconds apart early Sunday morning, so it was quite exciting!





The winners in the ORC class were Erik Haaland and Andrew Waters on the brand new Italia Yacht Vichingio in first, Roger Lant and Michael Welin sailing Abientot in second, and John Loe and Matt Schubert sailing Hornet in third. So, special congratulations to Erik Haaland and our presenting sponsor David Walters Yachts/Italia Yachts for not only sponsoring but also competing so successfully. Additional support for the event provided by VIP Sponsors: State Farm Agents: Dovie E Metzger and Debbie Hart and Kirsten Rowan Compass Realty. Thanks as well to member Patrick Shay who hosted the sponsors and their guests aboard his boat for the start and with Shane Zwingelberg aboard for “play by play.” 2019 Results for both classes are available on Yachtscoring and stay tuned for an update on how this event plays a role in the 2024 Paris Olympics.