Block Island Race Week
2011 Block Island Race Week News T H U R S D AY • J U N E 2 3 , 2 0 1 1
Allen Clark/PhotoBoat.com
Competitors Note: The Results on page 4 have been revised to reflect changes in IRC 4.
An Unexpected Lay Day The all-too-familiar red and white AP pennant was flying again on Wednesday morning at Block Island Race Week XXIV presented by Rolex (actually, it was barely aflutter). Shortly after 1000, the Race Committee decided to send the 134-boat fleet out to Block Island Sound with the hope of getting at least one race in.
forecast, the day’s only sailboat competition would be the drag race into the Great Salt Pond for a table at The Oar. Indeed, the ever-vigilant staff at this popular harborside restaurant and watering hole (a Race Week supporter for many years) had anticipated that the restless and thirsty crews would be testing the limits of their Mudslide output capacity, and they were more than ready.
For a while, it appeared that the light, shifty breeze might settle. During the wait, Sailing World Editor Dave Reed provided an eloquent explanation of starting sequences, handicapping, one-design classes and racing rules to folks aboard the Rolex media boat who were hoping to see their first yacht race.
“We lost yesterday and we only have two days left, so we’ll have to wait and see what the weather brings,” said Race Week Committee Chairman Nick Langone. “Obviously we’d like a ‘Round the Island Race, but we’d also like to get as many races as we can in order to score properly. There have been years when we didn’t do a ‘Round the Island Race for one reason or another, but we’ll have to get together and make that decision.”
By 1100, however, with the water becoming increasingly glassy it was obvious that it just wasn’t going to happen. At 1120, the RC hoisted the AP over H pennant, sending boats back to the docks. With rain — but no wind — in the
With the ‘Round the Island Race (hopefully) yet to come, it seems that mere prayers for wind may be inadequate this week. Are the wind gods only going to be appeased with a sacrifice?
Team Chance: Sailing For a Change! Allen Clark/PhotoBoat.com
Stealth, an Evelyn 26 competing in PHRF 4, is entered by Team Chance, a new organization based in Groton, CT that was formed by some very enthusiastic young sailors to bring sailing – especially racing – to kids that might not otherwise have the opportunity. “The inspiration for Team Chance was the lack of excitement for sailing among kids coming out of summer programs,” said cofounder Taylor Walker of Madison, CT. “We want to show kids that there’s so much more to sailing than just hopping in a boat…that they can sail at college or even make a career of it.” “I grew up sailing in a yacht club program, but not everyone is as fortunate,” said co-founder Jay Greenfield of Noank, CT. “We want to introduce the idea of racing to every kid that’s sailing, especially at community sailing programs.” “We realized we needed a way to have donations to the team be tax-deductible,” Walker continued. “We looked for a community sailing program to partner with, and met Captain Chris German, the Executive Director of Connecticut Community Boating in Bridgeport, CT. Chris took us under his wing and is showing us how we can do it. We became a subsidiary of Connecticut Community Boating so we can take donations and help them while we grow our program. We have similar missions: Connecticut Community Boating’s slogan is “No Child Left Ashore!” and Team Chance is all about help kids that otherwise couldn’t afford racing to get into it.” “Rebecca and Bill Turner at Thames Yacht Club in New London, CT, donated Stealth to us,” said Greenfield. “She serves as a mobile community sailing program.” Team Chance has many other strong supporters. “MDCapital in Madison, CT is one of our bigger sponsors,” Walker added. “Ted Boynton at Sound Boat-
The Northeast’s Source for Racing News, Information and Regatta Reports
WindCheck is distributed from New Jersey to Massachusetts and is available online at windcheckmagazine.com.
We are proud to produce the 2011 Block Island Race Week News – Be sure to grab a copy of WindCheck on the way to the boat! Distributed at Payne’s, BI Boat Basin, Champlin’s and in town. Look for Full Regatta coverage in our July issue. 2 Storm Trysail Club 2011 Block Island Race Week News • Thursday
works in Westbrook, CT is giving us free storage and helping with everything from team gear to rigging. Andy Halsey at Evolution Sails in Mystic, CT is also helping us out.” “MDC Machine Design in Stonington, CT is also a financial supporter,” said Greenfield. “My good friends, Mike Cavanaugh, the owner and master engineer behind MDC, and his wife, Linda, have been wonderfully supportive. Another very good friend is Brandon Flack, President of Atlantic Marketing in Stonington. Samson Rope sent us a few spools of line and some halyards that were leftover.” “Our biggest event this season is Block Island Race Week XXIV presented by Rolex,” said Walker. “We’re working hard to be competitive and have a very good showing.” As of today, Team Chance is in fifth place in PHRF 4 and looking to move up. “Ultimately, I’d like Team Chance to become a new community sailing center with Connecticut Community Boating on the eastern end of Long Island Sound,” Greenfield said. “I’d like our program to get hundreds of sailors on the water to grow our sport. We’re also looking for donations of powerboats to use as chase boats. “Our main mission is to make the sport more accessible, appealing and affordable,” said Greenfield. “We’d like to offer grants so kids can enter events. Many of us have received grants from clubs like the Mystic River Mudhead Sailing Association and we’re hoping to do that, too.” “The future of sailing is in community sailing centers,” Walker concluded. “Hopefully, we can get more kids racing and show them where they can go with it. Every kid deserves that chance.” For more information, visit chancesailing.org.
Storm Trysail Club 2011 Block Island Race Week News • Thursday 3
Allen Clark/PhotoBoat.com
Allen Clark/PhotoBoat.com
Allen Clark/PhotoBoat.com
Updated Race Results from Tuesday 6/21/11 Sail Number
Yacht Name
FINAL
Yacht Design
Owner/Skipper
Race 1
Race 2
BLUE Racing PHRF Division Cruising Non-spinnaker 1. USA 257 Patience 2. USA 73113 Crackerjack 3. USA 25742 Manitou 4. USA 10625 Dreamcatcher 5. USA 106 Latitude
C&C 36 Cambria 40 C&C 110 Swan 48 Mason 43
Jim Goldman Alan Krulisch Greg Slamowitz Paul Pakos Brian Gillen
3 1 2 4 6/DNS
1 3 2 4 6/DNS
PHRF 3 1. USA 283 2. USA 83350 3. USA 50926 4. USA 269 5. USA 40561 6. USA 32347 7. USA 257 8. USA 40253 9. USA 52358 10. USA 40244
Hustler Incommunicado Rival Mighty Puffin Dirty Harry Renegade Rift Orion Pearl Dead Reckoning
J 29 MHOB Omega 36 Taylor 38 J 29 MH J 29 MHOB J 29 FRIB J 29 MHOB S2 10.3 Morris M36 DS Dehler DB2
John & Tony Esposito Tracey / Polk David Curtis Steve Thurston John Lavin M/n Timothy Weber Bill Maher Reuven Latovitzki Bryan Coon Robert Lee Ray Way
1 2 3 5 6 4 9 8 7 10
2 5 6 1 3 4 7 8 9 10
5 2 1 4 3 7 6 8 9 10
8.0 9.0 10.0 10.0 12.0 15.0 22.0 24.0 25.0 30.0
PHRF 4 1. USA 14514 2. USA 83214 3. USA 19 4. USA 20201
En Charette Project Mayhem Rumor Brer Rabbit III
Noe 27 Santana 30/30 J 80 C&C 33
Paul Jennings Doug & Amy Stryker John Storck Jr William Loweth
3 7 1 5
3 1 2 5
2.5 1 6 2.5
8.5 9.0 9.0 12.5
4 Storm Trysail Club 2011 Block Island Race Week News • Thursday
Race 3
Total
4.0 4.0 4.0 8.0 12.0
Sail Number
Yacht Name
Yacht Design
Owner/Skipper
Race 1
Race 2
Race 3
Total
PHRF 4 (continued) 5. USA 30524 6. 47 7. USA 51362 8. USA 15379 9. USA 50324 10. USA 165
Stealth Club Car Cymothoe Air Express Pirate Speedway Boogie
Evelyn 26 FD S2 7.9 Sabre 36 San Juan 30 Abbott 33 Colgate 26
Jay Greenfield Barry Bessette David Alldian Chris Fesenmeyer William Baxter Chris Brady
4 2 8 6 9 10
6 8 7 9 4 10
7 8 4 5 9 10
17.0 18.0 19.0 20.0 22.0 30.0
RED Racing IRC Division IRC 1 1. USA 52007 2. CAY 52 3. ESP 75521 4. USA 5206 5. CAN 84248 6. USA 38008 7. USA 60331
Vesper PowerPlay Flying Jenny 7 Interlodge Vela Veloce Anema & Core Invictus
TP 52 TP 52 TP 52 JV 52 Southern Cross 52 JV 52 TP 52
Jim Swartz Peter Cunningham David & Sandra Askew Austin and Gwen Fragomen Richard Oland Ennio Staffini Louis Henry
1 3 2 5 6 4 7
1 3 4 2 5 6 7
1 2 3 5 4 6 7
3.0 8.0 9.0 12.0 15.0 16.0 21.0
IRC 2 1. USA 79 2. USA 60432 3. USA 52496 4. USA 50974 5. USA 1200 6. USA 51850 7. USA 4212 8. USA 1201 9. USA 60053
Ptarmigan Cool Breeze Convictus Maximus AFRICA High Noon Morpheus The Cat Came Back After Midnight Bacci
Ker 43 Mills 43 Custom Farr 42 IRC Taylor 44 CTM 41 Schumacher 50 Swan 42 Tripp 41 Swan 53
Lawrence Dickie John Cooper Donald Nicholson Jud Smith Steve & Heidi Benjamin Jim Gregory Lincoln Mossop Jack LeFort Lorenzo Vascotto
1 2 3 5 4 6 10/DSQ 7 8
1 2 4 5 8 3 6 7 9
1 6 4 2 3 8 5 7 9
3.0 10.0 11.0 12.0 15.0 17.0 21.0 21.0 26.0
Storm Trysail Club 2011 Block Island Race Week News • Thursday 5
Sail Number
Yacht Name
Yacht Design
Owner/Skipper
Race 1
Race 2
Race 3
IRC 3 1. USA 39516 2. USA 52756 3. USA 12241 4. USA 93586 5. USA 53581 6. USA 39505 7. USA 9393 8. USA 52354 9. USA 39532 10. USA 39506 11. USA 60140 12. USA 52835 13. USA 28990
Avalanche Sarah Wings DownTime Plum Crazy II Talisman Katabatic Indra Old School Coyote American Girl Georgetown III Spectre
Farr 395 X 41 J 122 Summit 40 J 122 Farr 395 IMX 40 Beneteau Farr 44.7 Farr 395 Farr 395 King 40 J 122 Tripp 40 MK2
Craig Albrecht Gregory Manning Bruno / Boyle / Callahan Ed Freitag / Molly Haley Andrew D. Skibo John Bailey Gordon Hall Thomas Linkas Ganson Evans Bill Clemens Daniel Galyon George Marks Brian Prinz
2 5.5 7 4 1 3 8 11 9 5.5 10 12 13
5 2 1 4 7 6 3 11 8 13 9.5 9.5 12
1 2 4 5 6 9 10 3 8 7 11 13 12
8.0 9.5 12.0 13.0 14.0 18.0 21.0 25.0 25.0 25.5 30.5 34.5 37.0
IRC 4 1. USA 31200 2. USA 51072 3. USA 156 4. USA 18321 5. USA 60351 6. USA 51518 7. USA 25279 8. USA 52173 9. USA 63396 10. USA 50316
Settler Troubador Out of Reach III Soulmates ACT ONE Lapin Shamrock Sensation Panacea Draco Ricochet
Peterson 42 Express 37 X-35 Express 37 Summit 35 Beneteau First 40.7 N/M 40 Beneteau First 36.7 Express 37 J 120
Thomas Rich Jamie Anderson Louis Nees Adam Loory Charles Milligan Chris Clark Ralph DiMattia Paul Hewitt Robert Behringer Jason LeBlanc
1 2 5 4 3 6 7 8 9 10
2 1 4 3 6 7 5 8 9 10
1 3 2 5 4 7 10 6 8 9
4.0 6.0 11.0 12.0 13.0 20.0 22.0 22.0 26.0 29.0
6 Storm Trysail Club 2011 Block Island Race Week News • Thursday
Total
Sail Number
Yacht Name
Yacht Design
Owner/Skipper
Race 1
Race 2
Race 3
Total
One Design Division Swan 42 1. USA 4214 2. USA 4243 3. USA 4235 4. USA 4216 5. USA 4240 6. USA 4221 7. USA 4204 8. USA 4210 9. USA 4224 10. USA 4208 11. USA 18 12. USA 4223 13. USA 4206
Daring Blazer Apparition Arethusa Vitesse Celeritas Mutiny Quintessence Barleycorn Bandit Better Than... Tiburon Impetuous
Swan 42 Swan 42 Swan 42 Swan 42 Swan 42 Swan 42 Swan 42 Swan 42 Swan 42 Swan 42 Swan 42 Swan 42 Swan 42
John Hele Chris Culver Kenneth Colburn Philip Lotz Jon Halbert Malcolm Gefter Gibb Kane / Drew Shea Roger Widmann Brendan Brownyard Andrew Fisher Gosia Rojek M/n Derrick Cherico Paul Zabetakis
4 1 5 2 9 7 8 6 3 10 12 13 11
2 3 1 7 4 6 5 10 9 11 8 12 13
3 6 5 2 1 7 10 8 13 4 12 9 11
9.0 10.0 11.0 11.0 14.0 20.0 23.0 24.0 25.0 25.0 32.0 34.0 35.0
PHRF Division Farr OD 1. USA 5095 2. USA 65 3. USA 40076 4. USA 92 5. USA 320 6. USA 21 7. USA 888 8. USA 47
Tsunami Barking Mad Nightshift Yellow Jacket Standard Deviation Just Plain Nutz Seawolf Venturesome
Farr 40 OD Farr 30 Farr 40 OD Farr 40 OD Farr 30 Farr 30 Farr 40 OD Farr 30
Ostberg/Olds/Dailey James Richardson Kevin McNeil Bulman / Scholz Syndicate William Markel Norm Dean Rowe Ben Bob Zannetti
1 2 3 6 4 5 7 8
1 4 2 3 5 7 6 8
3 1 2 4 7 5 6 8
5.0 7.0 7.0 13.0 16.0 17.0 19.0 24.0
Today’s Race Day & Party Sponsor Thursday, June 23 Race Day & Party Sponsor: Mount Gay Rum Handcrafted at the same location in Barbados since 1703, Mount Gay is the world’s oldest rum distiller and the oldest name in regatta sponsorship. Many sailors have extensive Mount Gay Rum regatta cap collections, and more than a few have leapt overboard to retrieve one that’s blown off. While you’re enjoying some of their fine product under the tent tonight, reward your hard-working crew with some Mount Gay clothing. Visit mountgayrum.com.
Storm Trysail Club 2011 Block Island Race Week News • Thursday 7
Sail Number
Yacht Name
Yacht Design
Owner/Skipper
Race 1
Race 2
Race 3
WHITE Racing One Design Division J 44 1. USA 4402 2. USA 4410 3. USA 4411 4. USA 4412 5. USA 4413
Challenge IV Maxine Resolute Gold Digger Glory
J 44 J 44 J 44 J 44 J 44
Jeffrey W. Willis William Ketcham Don and Rick Rave James D. Bishop Sr. Jack Neades
1 2 4 3 5
3 1 2 4 5
1 2 3 4 5
5.0 5.0 9.0 11.0 15.0
J 109 1. USA 51 2. USA 201 3. USA 52202 4. USA 243 5. USA 125 6. USA 369 7. USA 146 8. USA 256 9. USA 267 10. USA 286 11. USA 72 12. USA 160 13. USA 140 14. USA 334 15. USA 266
Rush Dragonfly Caminos Instant Karma Loki Skoot Storm Shearwater Nordlys Ceol na Mara Gut Feeling Ariel Troublemaker Sanibel Vento Solare
J 109 J 109 J 109 J 109 J 109 J 109 J 109 J 109 J 109 J 109 J 109 J 109 J 109 J 109 J 109
Bill Sweetser Skip Young Donald Filippelli David Betts David Rosow Jim Vos Rick Lyall Hugh McLean Bob Schwartz David Frizell Ted Herlihy Jeffrey Warren Eric Gordon Gerry Keeler Paul Milo
2 6 7 3 10 1 5 4 8 11 9 14 12 13 15
1 2 4 6 3 10 5 14 9 15 8 7 12 11 13
1 4 2 5 3 7 8 9 10 6 15 13 11 12 14
4.0 12.0 13.0 14.0 16.0 18.0 18.0 27.0 27.0 32.0 32.0 34.0 35.0 36.0 42.0
J 105 1. USA 50 2. USA 39 3. USA 488 4. USA 389 5. USA 493 6. USA 323 7. USA 220 8. USA 627 9. USA 300 10. USA 344 11. USA 657 12. USA 448 13. USA 51245
Eclipse Jouster Shakedown Morning Glory Tonto Stratos Bat IV Tolo Kima Two Feathers Vixen Cush Bottle Rocket
J 105 J 105 J 105 J 105 J 105 J 105 J 105 J 105 J 105 J 105 J 105 J 105 J 105
Damian Emery Bruce Stone/Julian Croxall Jordan Mindich Carl Olsson Fred Darlington Marcus Wunderlich Andrew Kennedy Norman Kilarjian Nelson Weiderman Mark & Jolene Masur Christopher Beane Gardner Horan Glenn Marck
1 2 5 6 7 3 4 11 9 8 12 10 13
1 3 2 5 7 6 12 8 4 9 11 10 13
1 3 2 5 7 13 6 4 11 8 9 12 10
3.0 8.0 9.0 16.0 21.0 22.0 22.0 23.0 24.0 25.0 32.0 32.0 36.0
PHRF Division PHRF 1 1. USA 200 2. USA 16 3. USA 30 4. USA 26 5. USA 114 6. USA 60909 7. USA 1
Jammy Beggar Partnership Wicked 2.0 Andiamo Varekai Bravo Surette
Melges 32 J 111 J 111 J 111 J 120 J 111 MD35
Tom Lee David / MaryEllen Tortorello Douglas Curtiss Paul Strauch Peter Hein Sedgwick Ward Carroll/Carabetta
1 2 4 3 5 6 7
1 2 4 3 5 6 7
3 2 1 4 5 6 7
5.0 6.0 9.0 10.0 15.0 18.0 21.0
PHRF 2 1. USA 52134 2. USA 40926 3. USA 8001 4. NA 11 5. USA 41810 6. USA 40320 7. USA 51799 8. USA 32573 9. USA 41522
Whirlwind Freightrain XLR8 Swift Deviation Scorpion Jabberwocky Mo'Mojoe Indigo
Beneteau First 36.7 Frers 36 Carrera 280 Navy 44 Soverel/Tartan Evelyn 32 C&C 99 Peterson 37 Jonmeri 40
William Purdy Dick Hyde Brad Porter Graham Tyson Iris Vogel Larry Hennessy Jonathan Bier Joe Naroski Jeffrey Huseman
3 7 1 2 5 4 6 9 8
2 1 3 7 4 5 6 8 9
3 1 5 2 4 6 7 8 9
8.0 9.0 9.0 11.0 13.0 15.0 19.0 25.0 26.0
8 Storm Trysail Club 2011 Block Island Race Week News • Thursday
Total
Amendments NOTICE OF RACE AMENDMENT #1 2. RULES 2.3: Is amended as follows: All boats are strongly encouraged to follow the Safety Recommendations and Emergency Procedures available via www.blockislandraceweek.com . A copy of these recommendations and procedures, signed by the Owner /Skipper shall be kept aboard during Race Week. Clarification: “Safety Guidelines and Guidelines for Rendering Assistance” are changed to “Safety Recommendations and Emergency Procedures”. NOTICE OF RACE AMENDMENT #2 NoR 2.2 is changed: In addition to the US Prescriptions to rule 68 (Damages) and rules 76.1 and 76.3 (Exclusion of boats and competitors), the US Prescription to Appendix F (Procedures for Appeals and Requests) will also apply. These prescriptions will be on the Block Island Race Week website (www.blockislandraceweek.com) as an attachment to the sailing instructions. NoR 10.7 is changed: After the first sentence of NoR 10.7, add the following sentence: Decisions of a national jury are subject to appeal. NOTICE OF RACE AMENDMENT #3 4. ELIGIBILITY AND ENTRY 4.1 (b) is amended as follows: Racing will be conducted in PHRF classes for boats with PHRF handicaps up to a maximum of 175. Clarification: To allow boats with PHRF Certificates of less than 90 to enter. NOTICE OF RACE AMENDMENT #4 NOR 2 is amended as follows: Add 2.4 2.4 For the J-122 Class only: (a) This regatta will be the J-122 Class North American Championship (b) All J-122 boats and sails may be inspected and measured at any time during the regatta at the discretion of the Class. (c) J-122 Class Rule 7.2 shall apply: Maximum aggregate crew weight, regardless of the number of crew and excluding the driver, shall not exceed 726 kilos (1,600 pounds). Rule 7.1 does not apply. (d) Crew weighing will take place as follows: Saturday, June 18: 1500-1700 at the Narragansett Inn Sunday, June 19: 0900-1500 at the Narragansett Inn Monday, June 20-Friday June 24: 0730-0830 Substitute crew weighing at Race Headquarters. NOTICE OF RACE AMENDMENT #5 For the J-122 Class only: Crew weighing will NOT be required. SAILING INSTRUCTIONS AMENDMENT #1 APPENDIX 2 A2.2 Marks: Description of Mark “I” is revised to: “I” Red R”2” FL R 2.5s Whis at Southwest Ledge Clarification: The Southwest Ledge buoy has changed from a Bell to a Whistle buoy. APPENDIX 3 A3.6 Course “A” marks are revised as follows: Course “A” Counter Clockwise Round The Island Race: The Race Committee may set windward marks for different classes, windward marks will be yellow tetrahedrons, to be left to port. The Race Committee Signal Boat will display the approximate bearing (magnetic) and range (in nautical miles) to each of the windward marks. After the first mark, if used, the following are the marks of the course that must be left to port: a. Red Bell “6” approx. 0.3 miles W of Southwest Point. b. Red Whistle “4” approx. 1.0 mile SW of Southwest Point. c. Red Nun “2” approx. 0.4 miles SSW of Black Rock Point.
d. Special Mark “A”, a yellow inflatable positioned at approximately: 41° 8.50’N 071° 34.00’W e. Special Mark “B”, an orange inflatable positioned at approximately: 41° 09.10’N 071° 32.50’W f. Special Mark “C”, a yellow inflatable positioned at approximately: 41°10.00’N 071° 32.00’W g. Green Bell “1” N off Old Harbor. h. Green Can “7” N off Old Britton Rock. i. Green Bell “1BI “off North Reef. The Finish will be in the vicinity of The Start and will be between staffs displaying blue flags on Race Committee Boats at each end of the Finish Line or between a staff displaying a blue flag on a Race Committee Boat and a nearby mark. Clarification: The Green cans off Southwest Light have been removed. We have added a new drop mark (Special Mark “B”) to replace the green cans. SAILING INSTRUCTIONS AMENDMENT # 2 APPENDIX 2 A2.4 is amended to: Will be in accordance with APPENDIX 1 Clarification: Appendix reference was incorrect. SAILING INSTRUCTIONS AMENDMENT # 3 APPENDIX 2 BLUE FLEET A2.1 The last sentence is amended as follows: The Finish Line for the Cruising Non-Spinnaker Class will be at the starting area and will be between a staff displaying a blue flag on the Signal Boat and a nearby mark, on the opposite side of the Signal Boat from the Starting Line.
Schedule of Events Thursday, June 23 0900 1030 1800 - 2000 1930
Harbor Signals Racing Awards Presentation & Evening Party Storm Trysail Raffle Drawing Mount Gay Rum Race Day & Official Party Sponsors
Friday, June 24
Harbor Signals Racing Final Awards Presentation & Evening Party Prestige Toyota Race Day UK-Halsey Official Party Sponsor
0900 1030 1700 - 2000
Round the Island Race Starting Sequence CLASSES IRC 1 & 2 Farr OD & Swan 42 IRC 3 & 4 J-44 & PHRF 1 J-109 J-105 PHRF 2 & 3 PHRF 4, Cruising Non-Spin
WARNING SIGNAL NUMERAL PENNANT 1 NUMERAL PENNANT 2 NUMERAL PENNANT 3 NUMERAL PENNANT 4 NUMERAL PENNANT 5 NUMERAL PENNANT 6 NUMERAL PENNANT 7 NUMERAL PENNANT 8
NOTE: Backstay Class pennants, per Sailing Instruction 6.2 do not change for the Round Block Island Race Storm Trysail Club 2011 Block Island Race Week News • Thursday 9
The Abrams Family Trophy is Awarded to Tinker and Dottie Myles Since 1965, the inaugural year of the Storm Trysail Club’s Block Island Race Week (BIRW), sailors have enjoyed the camaraderie and excitement that only a first-class event at a superb venue can provide. Race Week enjoys strong support from the Storm Trysail Club members and partner companies and many of the duties performed are done so through a network of volunteers and industry sponsors. It is said that BIRW would not be possible without the kind support of the local friends who reside on the Island, including the Abrams family, whose name is synonymous with not only the hospitality of the island but the success of Race Week. Several perpetual trophies are awarded at BIRW, mostly named and donated in memory of people who have made significant contributions to sailing. Like BIRW itself, the trophies are awarded “in the spirit of camaraderie, competition and respect for the unique character of the sport of sailing.” Dedicated by the Storm Trysail Club in 2003, the Abrams Family Trophy is presented to an individual who has made a significant contribution to Block Island Race Week. The trophy, a half-hull model of Inverness (the overall winner of the very first Block Island Race Week in 1965), was awarded in 2009 to Mount Gay Rum. This year’s recipients are the husband and wife team of Tinker & Dottie Myles from White Plains, NY. It has been said that if you want to learn about how to remain calm under pressure and get a job done at Race Week without putting pressure on yourself or anyone around you, simply watch Tinker. And if you wish to learn the art of pleasing the masses through efficiency and dedication, spend time with Dottie. Race Week had several transition periods over the years and in 1989, Race Committee Headquarters were at Payne’s, then, in 1997 were moved to the Block Island Boat Basin. Payne’s has since retained the assemblage of the Race Com-
Today is the last day to enter the Block Island Race Week Raffle! Enter to win: Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner Timepiece Trip from the Bitter End Yacht Club And additional prizes from: Mount Gay Rum, Gill, vineyard vines, Heineken, Lewmar, Soundview Millworks and SailorMade Bracelets Raffle benefits the Block Island Rescue Squad, The Early Learning Center and the BI Maritime Institute Winners will be drawn at Thursday night’s Mount Gay Rum Party under the tent. Stop by the Duty Office to enter! $10 each or $90 for a book of ten tickets
10 Storm Trysail Club 2011 Block Island Race Week News • Thursday
mittee and the Social/Regatta Headquarters has settled in nicely at The Oar. Tinker has been heavily involved in the goings-on of the Race Committee for years, and was Chairman in 1989. During that time of flux, less organized men would not be able to handle the tasks set before them. Tinker managed with ease. He has been described as calm, cool and collected. “He always runs at the same speed, no matter what the circumstances, weather, pressures, whatever,” noted friend Whitey Russell. Dottie is known as the housing guru. Her organizational skills allow for easy transition into and out of housing each year for the dozens of volunteers in the many houses on the island. Dottie even goes so far as to re-write and highlight the directions that the rental agencies provide in order to help them find their way to their houses from The Oar. She knows what people want and she makes sure that they get the right type of house to suit their needs. She figures out who prefers to be together, who’s compatible and who’s not. If there is a new house on the list, she’ll come out to the island to make sure that it’s acceptable. And she does it time and time again. “She just makes it work and there are never any complaints,” said Marcy Trenholm, STC’s Executive Director. “She’s just unbelievable.” You’ll never find two more lovely, giving people than Tinker and Dottie. They exude all of the traits that a recipient of the Abrams Family Trophy should.
ROBERT OATLEY V I N E YA R D S
PROUDLY SUPPORTS
Block Island Race Week Available at Red Bird Liquor Store 233 Dodge Street 401-466-2441
A Salute to Support Boats Race Week is run entirely by Storm Trysail Club members and families, including many who bring their own boats – some from as far away as Florida – to run races and provide on-the-water support. Wally Miller of Annapolis, MD is a Race Officer on the Chesapeake. This is Wally’s first time at Block Island Race Week and is on the Pin Boat on the White Circle. He’s finding new challenges up here in the ocean, including anchoring in 150 feet of water. “I’m impressed with the logistics involved in running a major regatta on this island,” said Wally. When I get home, I’m telling my fellow sailors they need to come here – there’s top-notch competition with great race management, and Block’s beautiful. Oh, and the parties are great, too!” To Wally, and every one of the owners and captains of the 22 support vessels at Race Week: Thank You. Everyone appreciates your help!
robertoatley.com Mimi & Buck Gillette have been longtime Race Committee volunteers.
Storm Trysail Club 2011 Block Island Race Week News • Thursday 11
Allen Clark/PhotoBoat.com
Allen Clark/PhotoBoat.com
Cute-Tees (...and the official Race Week gear) under the tent! (Kids $14/Adults $18) Get yours while supplies last! 12 Storm Trysail Club 2011 Block Island Race Week News • Thursday
Question of the Day What is your best Block Island Race Week memory? My best Race Week was 2009, because we won. Brian Coleman, J/44 Resolute (via Facebook) It was 1973 or ‘75. There was one week of rain and fog, but we raced every day. I enjoyed the people I was with. We laughed really hard. Nick Langone, Race Week Chairman It was 1975 I think. It blew like hell going around the island. We jibed early and won. I was sailing on Destination. Whitey Russell, Race Committee 1985 sticks out in my mind. It was the peak of the IOR days – there were legends like Tom Blackaller, Lowell North and John Thompson mixing it up with us. Another race week sticks out in my mind – I think it was 1981 when Kialoa ran aground in the channel, turned sideways and no one could get in or out of the harbor. Dave Schrader, aboard Eclipse 1995 was the best. It was our first Race Week and we won. But they’ve all been great and we’ve come back every year since with family and college buddies. Chris Fesenmeyer, skipper of Air Express
RACE WEEK SPOTLIGHT Rita & Steve Draper Without the long-standing and unflagging support of Rita and Steve Draper, Block Island Race Week simply would not be the great event that it is. Rita and Steve are the owners of The Oar, a waterfront restaurant adjacent to the Block Island Boat Basin that has served as Race Week headquarters since 1997. “Steve and Rita have been our partners here on the island for a long time, and you couldn’t ask for a more delightful couple,” said Storm Trysail Club Commodore Eric Kreuter. “They’re low-key and very competent, and they make our job of coming out here from Larchmont, NY so much easier. They provide the property, and they do so much of the work before we even arrive. It takes a solid three days to set up the venue, and Steve gets the tent set up, wires the electricity for us, sets up the bars and soda guns, and all the liquor that we serve is under The Oar’s permit.” “Rita supplies all the Race Committee sandwiches and all of the food for the nightly parties, and arranges logistics for the STC member party at The Narragansett,” Kreuter continued. “Steve and Rita know everyone on the island. They know who to go to get things done, and nothing’s ever an issue. Steve will say, ‘If there’s anything you need, just let me know,’ and if we ask for anything he’ll show up with it in a half hour.” “I can’t imagine trying to do this regatta without Steve and Rita,” said Kreuter. “They always have smiles on their faces, and there are not enough words to say how wonderful they are to us.”
2011 Block Island Race Week Presented by Rolex Sponsors
Storm Trysail Club 2011 Block Island Race Week News • Thursday 13
Today’s Weather
Thursday, June 22, 2011
Rain/thunderstorms last night formed a low on the warm front near Block Island. If the low is further S, the winds will be fresher from the ENE and E. We will likely have light, shifty winds during the morning, from NW to N, and then NE. The low will move E and we will get freshening NE and ENE winds once the low is near and E of Nantucket. Cool ENE winds may not freshen until mid and late afternoon, reaching 8-12kts.
Prepared 0630edt Wednesday, June 22, 2011
14 Storm Trysail Club 2011 Block Island Race Week News • Thursday
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Contact Ralf Steitz • 516-204-7860 • rsteitz@gmail.com usmmasailingfoundation.org Storm Trysail Club 2011 Block Island Race Week News • Thursday 15
16 Storm Trysail Club 2011 Block Island Race Week News • Thursday