The final day of the J Class Regatta in Newport, RI, had Velsheda playing for pride and she in fact finished strong to claim her point. It was her only win in the five-race match which Ranger took, four races to one.
The Sunday race started on a downwind leg that immediately cast some drama into the race when Ranger's spinnaker ripped to pieces shortly after being deployed. The crew quickly replaced the 10,000 s.f. sail, but it gave valuable space to Velsheda which she maintained throughout the day.
Ranger bears down on a closing beat at day's end, but could not make up the time.
At the start, the two giant boats jockey for starting line position.
Over the line together, the J Class racers are even for just a moment.
Each boat sent a crew member up the mast to look out over the spinnaker.
A perch not for one afraid of heights.
Ranger's spinnaker suddenly and completely rips across a seam and plummets to the water.
The crew worked quickly to pull the torn sail onto the boat while working up a replacement.
Further down the leg, Velsheda runs by Castle Hill light.
The spinnaker and pole come down on Velsheda in preparation for the beat back to Newport.
Close-up of the Velsheda main and jib.
The Ranger team hops to the spinnaker and pole.
Close-up of Ranger's jib and main.
Ranger tacking as the final leg nears its end.
The winning Ranger team: Earl Williams, professional helmsman, Ranger owner John A. Williams of the New York Yacht Club, and Alastair Tait, Captain.
To the victor, the spoils.
Read all the post in the series on the J Class Regatta:
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