Vineyard Open House Blog

Flying Bugster Captures 36th Annual Moffett Sailing Race in Vineyard Sound

Happy crew of Flying Bugster (Cape Dory 25) stands next to the George Moffett trophy along with Holmes Hole Commodore Dan Culkin (right). All Photos by Susan Waldrop

After nearly 4 hours of racing against a fleet of 40 boats, Flying Bugster--with just 10 seconds to spare--won the 36th Annual Moffett Race on Sat., Sept. 7 .

The winner--Flying Bugster, a Cape Dory 25.

Skippered by Bill Coogan, the Cape Dory 25 (2:58:48) eeked out its win over the second-place finisher Providence (2:58:58), an Ensign helmed by Stuart Halpert.

Glorious light bathed the day on the water, here with Soma Holiday in front.
 
The fleet followed Course No. 2 in reverse—a track 18.5 miles long that took the competitors to Waquoit, Wreck Shoal, the east end of Hedge Fence and back.
 
Sailboats jockey at the start of the 36th Annual Moffett Race in Vineyard Sound.

Sailing under a nearly cloudless sky in conditions of 15-20 knot winds that blew consistently out of the Southwest all afternoon, tired and happy sailors later praised what they universally called perfect conditions. With the race concluded, the Holmes Hole Sailing Association summer season officially comes to an end.

Boats built by Gannon & Benjamin did well, here's Isabella, which finished 9th out of the 40 boats that started.
 
The top 5 boats finished in the money.
 
The schooner Charlotte, captained by Nat Benjamin, captured third, missing second place by 41 seconds. Jim Dixon's At Last, an Alerion 28, was fourth and in fifth was Soma Holiday, a Hanse 355 with Frank Sutula at the helm.

The schooner Juno, a B&B-built boat, came in 6th.

J-Class Boats Capture Imagination and Fans at St. Barth's Bucket Regatta

The annual St. Barths Bucket Regatta (March 28-31) was a special place to be this year where five of the monstrous and elegant J-Class boats gathered to race and awe delighted spectators and crews. The event was lifted by a strong sense of history--it was the first time five J-Class boats have come to the line since 1937.

Hanuman, built by Royal Huisman, stood above all throughout the three days, winning handily over the line and on corrected time in the first two of three races and taking first place in all four races.

Winning the King’s 100 Guinea Cup for Thursday’s “extra day” race for J Boats at the Bucket was Hanuman. The top Corinthian J with an amateur owner/helmsman to win the Corinthian King’s Cup was Lionheart.

Read all the posts in the Newport J Class Regatta series of articles:

Off to Newport & the J Class Regatta

Cruise to Newport & J Class Regatta Begins with a Run to (a Quiet) Cuttyhunk

Cruise to Newport/J Class Regatta: Sakonnet's Elegant Clubhouse & Warm Welcome

J Class Regatta at Newport Puts Big Power, Precision and Majesty on Display

Everything Is Big on a J Class Yacht: Crews, Sails, Accessories & Maintenance

In Newport for J Class Regatta, World's Most Beautiful Yachts Compete for Attention

Final Day of J Class Newport Regatta Has Moments of Drama & a Velsheda Win

Sailing Season Underway in Vineyard Haven, Martha's Vineyard

The sailing season is underway in Vineyard Haven as the Martha's Vineyard Shipyard has been launching boats into the water the past two weeks. Shown above is Shipyard owner Phil Hale in his own Shields, 'Wicked.' Conditions look perfect for spring sailing!

Last Holmes Hole Race of the Fall A Beauty with Stunning October Light & Memorable Views

Avanti heads for the finish and the setting sun.

Thursday Oct. 25th was the final fall race for the Holmes Hole Sailing Association on Martha's Vineyard. Light winds from the SE and a flooding tide provided yet another lesson in how to use the tides in the approach to bouy 23A at East Chop. The opposing wind and tide created a lee bow on the leg from West to East Chop and the alert skippers tacked towards the bouy earlier than those not paying attention and were rewarded with an easy fetch thanks to the 2 knot tide.

But the best part of the race was the final leg into Vineyard Haven where boats sailed into the setting sun to create a lasting image that will inspire thoughts about next year, which can't come soon enough!

A Bright October Day in Vineyard Haven Harbor Brings People Out to Mess Around

A rare day of good weather and tender wind brought people out into Vineyard Haven harbor to work on their boats either in preparation for putting them away for the winter or in anticipation of one last sail.

Malabar II at the town dock with its spars taken down, only the two main masts remain.
Working or just messing around? Either way, you are on your boat and that's what counts.
A father and son in the sleek Minnehaha.

The schooner Perception takes a ride in the harbor under some gusts.




You don't have to be a big boat to enjoy the water.

Charlie Felder works on the beetlecat he's had stored in his garage for two years.

Malabar II returns to its mooring, stripped down for winter.

Trinity Yacht Club Officially Launched at Trinity Collge with President & Friends

Here are photos from today's official launch of the Trinity Yacht Club. Although the launch was held on land at Trinity College in landlocked Hartford, Ct, Dave McDonough, second from left, and Trinity College President and Commodore Emeritus James F. Jones and friends toasted the occasion with enthusiasm. More pics below.

Center, Paul Assiante, undefeated Trinity men's squash coach (13 years!).

Pre-Launch Rally for Trinity Yacht Club (photo)

Trinity Yacht Club burgees are on display prior to official launch on Trinity campus, Hartford, CT.

Trinity Yacht Club to Be Launched This Saturday at Trinity Parents Weekend

My good friend Dave McDonough has taken my idea of creating your own yacht club and gone me 10 steps better. He has created a yacht club for the college his daughter attends, Trinity College in Hartford, CT, calling it the Trinity Yacht Club--complete with bylaws and mission statement. See the brand new burgee in a handsome frame below.

This Saturday (Oct. 22) Dave is presenting a certificate to James F. Jones, president of Trinity College, at halftime in the Long Walk Society Tent during Parent's Weekend to officialy launch the organization.

The certificate proclaims that Jones, as Trinity's president, is named Commodore Emeritus of the Trinty Yacht Club, and all future Trinity presidents will be so honored as well. To top it off, any surplus funds from dues and fees accurred by the Trinity Yacht Club will be donated to Trinity College to use as it sees fit. A fun idea and a neat way to raise funds your alma mater. What about your college or school?

Annual Newport International Boat Show Sept. 15-18 Will Feature Morris, S&S

The 41st  Annual Newport International Boat Show takes place next week September 15-18, 2011. This popular boating extravaganza will feature new sailboats and powerboats, and thousands of products and services from both domestic and international exhibitors.

Among the exhibitors will be Sparkman & Stephens (find them in Tent A). Also Morris Yachts will have New Boat, Brokerage and Service teams on hand, in addition to displaying an M36 and a Morris 42 (Ocean Series). There will also be a private viewing of the M29, M36, and M42 on nearby docks. To schedule an appointment send an email to Morris Yachts.

Multiple waterfront facilities along America's Cup Avenue host the Show including Newport Yachting Center, Oldport Marine, Bannister's Wharf and Bowen's Wharf.  All Show sites are accessible by land or by  water taxi service. For more detailed information, visit the NIBS website. See below for show highlights.

Show Highlights

• Got talent? The Newport International Boat Show will be one of the stops on a nationwide casting call for the upcoming motion picture 'Yacht Club.'

• Special Two-Day Marine Weather Course offered. Instructor: Lee S. Chesneau Classroom Location: 250 Thames Street, 3rd Floor, Newport, RI

• Newport will be chockablock full of world-class racing events taking place during the Newport International Boat Show, so start planning your accommodations now.

       - The New York Yacht Club will host the Swan 42 World Invitational Cup, Sept. 15-19

       - The 12 Metre North Americans will immediately follow the close of the Boat Show

    - Puma’s Volvo Ocean Race Boat is currently being built at New England Boatworks in Portsmouth, RI. New England Boatworks is a NIBS exhibitor.

• Newport For New Products: The Show is the official venue for U.S. debuts of all new boats and boating products. This industry-wide promotion recognizes the best that’s being introduced for the 2012 model year at NIBS. Look for the red-and-blue balloons signifying new boats/products throughout the Show.

• Best-selling Nautical Authors Lin and Larry Pardey to Speak at Newport Show - Hosted by Blue Water Sailing Magazine. Exhibit space and seminars hosted by Blue Water Sailing Magazine. Newport Seminar Topics include:

               -Storm Tactic - Friday, September 16th, 12:30 - 1:30 PM, Tent J

               -Cost Control While you Cruise - Saturday, September 17th, 1:00 - 2:00 PM, Tent J

               -Booth Location - Book Signing - Tent C - #45 & 46

• SAIL FOR PRIDE: 2011 Charity Partner - Just days after the 9/11 attack, a group of sailors led by Scott Murray, Mick Harvey and Brad Read founded the Sail For Pride Regatta to raise money to support the victims and their families. And indeed they succeeded in raising over $110,000.

        Over the past nine years they have continued to raise money under the name Sail For Hope to reflect the RI state motto. From 2002 on, the funds were directed to support local Rhode Island charities. This year, being the 10th anniversary of 9/11, the name Sail For Pride will be brought back.

• Latitudes & Attitudes hosts the Show's first-ever Cruisers Party--all Boaters are invited. Join others with your same passion for boating, along with the exhibitors and industry folks, for a great evening of free pizza, beer, and soft drinks at the Lats & Atts Cruisers Party! Enjoy the music of The Eric Stone Band, live and in concert! Visit the Eric Stone website at www.boatsongs.com.

• Make Pink Your Color: PINK HEALS is touring the USA and will make a stop at NIBS. The Pink Heals Foundation is a national, non-profit organization committed to raising breast cancer awareness. You can help raise funds for various breast cancer support programs by purchasing t-shirts or other accessories such as dog bowls, stickers, mouse pads, etc., or make a monetary donation in the amount of your choice. 100% of the proceeds will go to Pink Heals.

• AL JARDINE. Following the close of the Boat Show on Sunday, September 18th - spend the evening at a concert with Al Jardine, founding member of the Beach Boys, and his Endless Summer Band. Boat show Exhibitors and Attendees - receive a boat show special offer of 10% off regular ticket prices. The Concert takes place at the International Tennis Hall of Fame front lawn courts.

Parking Made Easy

Purchase your show ticket and an Easton’s Beach Parking Pass in advance. Shuttle Service from the Easton’s Beach Parking Lot to the show is free and runs continuously from 8 AM to 8 PM all four days. Shuttle buses are handicapped accessible.

Morris Yachts Rendezvous on Martha's Vineyard for 2011 Vineyard Cup

Morris Yachts jockey for position at the starting line.

A record number of Morris Yacht owners--including local skippers Mike Loberg/Masquerade and Ed Cerullo/Undine--turned out in force for the 2011 Vineyard Cup and a Morris Rendezvous that included an evening at the Loberg's Vineyard Haven home. See story and photos here on the Morris Yachts blog.