R A C E
W E E K
Meet Your On-the-Water Co-Chairmen Dick Neville (l) and Dave Brennan (r) have put a lot of effort into preparing for this week, from writing sailing instructions and buying anchors to lining up support boats and calling postponements. Dick and Dave both have tremendous racing and race officer experience. Dick,, a resident of Annapolis, MD, has a wealth of sailing experience, especially aboard maxi boats. His first Block Island Race Week as a non-competitor was in 1999, when he served on the Race Committee. Dick had continued his service with Storm Trysail Club, eventually serving as Commodore. “Block Island Race Week is one of the bigger, low-key race weeks in the world,” said Neville. “We can cater to the grand prix boats, and it’s a perfect venue for club racers who want to compete at a top level, and they can bring their families.” Dick spends every day of Race Week ensuring that everyone on the water – competitors and racecourse volunteers alike – has everything they need, and his mellifluous voice can be heard each night under the tent as he presents the daily trophies. “It’s cooler on Block Island than in the Chesapeake, and there’s generally more breeze (but not yesterday morning!)” says Dick. “It’s a fantastic venue
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
robertoatley.com 12 Storm Trysail Club 2011 Block Island Race Week News • Wednesday
S P O T L I G H T for a family sailing vacation, and I really want to come back to enjoy the island when it’s not Race Week!” When he’s not at home in Miami, FL, Dave Brennan travels the world as an International Race Officer. “I believe this is my seventh Block Island Race Week,” says Dave. “For me, it’s really terrific coming to the Northeast from South Florida because the whole environment is a little different from Key West or the Caribbean. The water’s always cool and the island is beautiful. Block Island Race Week is really a nice regatta to help out at. The best thing about Block Island Race Week is the camaraderie…and my Timer, Barbara Neville – she keeps me honest on the Signal Boat!” Noting that many members of the Storm Trysail Club have known each other for 30 years or more, Dave, says, “In many cases, we only see each other a few times a year so it’s nice to have friends working together to put the regatta on. We also have great relationships with our sponsors and people on the island, including The Oar, Block Island Boat Basin, Payne’s Dock, the Fire Department and the Block Island Rescue Squad. Those long-term relationships make this event really special.” In addition to Co-chairing the on-the-water activities, Dave is the Principal Race Officer for the Red Fleet this week. When you see Dick or Dave, be sure to give them a big Thank You!