Saturday, July 7, 2018

SAIL NEWPORT Regatta Preview

J/70s sailing upwind(Newport, RI)- For many sailors throughout the Northeastern seaboard, the best multi-class regatta of the season is “THE Newport Regatta”, hosted by SAIL NEWPORT, in conjunction with its supporters- New York YC, Ida Lewis YC, and Newport YC.

There is no question the regatta’s motto is an enticing, fun-loving promotion for sailors of all stars and stripes- "Fast Racing, Cold Beer”!  As it has for the past three decades, it will continue in 2018!

Shoreside after-race socials are planned for both Saturday and Sunday. On July 7th, you will be able to make your own custom taco at the famous “Taco Bar!”  Enjoy Heineken beer, Mt. Gay Rum, and Whispering Angel wine and live music. Sunday's awards party will include food, drinks, and prizes.

Regatta Manager Matt Duggan and Event Manager Emily Greagori are also hosting the first annual Sail Newport Corn Hole Championship (SNCHC) on Saturday, July 7 at the tent. Start training now!!  All parties will be at the new building this year!! 

The J/70s will be repeating as the largest one-design class by far in Newport for the past two weekends.  Last week, the occasion was the New York YC One-Design Regatta.  This week, it’s another two-dozen boats that are racing as part of their pre-J/70 Worlds preparations that will be taking place in September off Marblehead, MA. 

Incredibly, there are at least a baker’s dozen teams that are all capable of top ten finishes in any J/70 Worlds that are participating this coming weekend. Three J/70 World Champions- Tim Healy’s USA 2, Joel Ronning’s CATAPULT, and Peter Duncan’s RELATIVE OBSCURITY.  That is for starters.  The other top teams include, Brian Keane’s SAVASANA (2nd in 2017 Worlds), Jud Smith’s AFRICA (World Champion crew), Glenn Darden’s HOSS, Martie Kullman’s HYDRA, Bruce Golison’s MIDLIFE CRISIS (West Coast Champion), Heather Gregg & Joe Bardenheier’s MUSE (first J/70 NA Champion and 1st World’s Corinthian Champion- tied 4th overall), Bennet Greenwald’s PERSEVERANCE, John Brim’s RIMETTE, Pam Rose’s ROSEBUD, and Hannah Swett’s SPARKLE (a Women’s World Champion). Watch the leaderboard this weekend!  For more Newport Regatta at SAIL Newport sailing information. Add to Flipboard Magazine.