Doyle's KESTREL Dominates New York Harbor!(New York, NY)- The 2012 racing season has officially started in New York Harbor with this past weekend’s 2nd Annual Manhattan Regatta. Eleven J/105’s competed in the event, between the watchful gaze of the Statue of Liberty and the awe-inspiring Freedom Tower. Beautiful weather provided the participants with two great days on the water.
Despite a strong current and shifty early afternoon wind patterns, the race committee was still able to send everyone on a variety of courses, including a couple of short sprints that never allowed crews to catch their breath.
Sean Doyle’s KESTREL took first place overall showing that a little current here and there couldn’t stop him from winning six of the seven races sailed in the two-day event. He finished second in the one race he didn’t win. Kevin Grainger (last year’s winner) finished second aboard GUMPTION3 and Paul Beaudin grabbed third on LOULOU. Local favorite, Austin Fragomen, finished fourth on WARLOCK and Dennis Meichel was fifth on BIGAMY.
On
Saturday, as the late afternoon sun began to reflect off of the New
York skyline, teams enjoyed the post-race party aboard Liberty Landing
Marina’s Lightship with smoked BBQ and a keg of Belgian White. Everyone
had a blast taking mug shots with The Digital Photobooth, which rolled
out instant postcards that kept everyone laughing. A raffle sponsored by
Landfall Navigation added to the good times.On Sunday, after completing three races, the festivities continued on the New York side of the Hudson and concluded with the awarding of trophies aboard Manhattan Sailing Club’s floating Clubhouse.
The Manhattan Regatta is truly a unique racing experience for the J/105 class. The event offers challenging race courses, an iconic backdrop, and simply a fun post-race party Saturday night. Even the Lady Liberty trophies are a departure from the typical silver. As one of the only events in the New England area where boats can tie up together at docks instead of at moorings, teams have more time to prep or just hangout. And most importantly, the event is dedicated solely to the J/105 class, which means more races, more fun and clear air!!
If you would like to see what it’s all about, please check out the incredible sailing photos taken by Pim van Hemmen. You can also check out the crews having fun at Digital PhotoBooth.
Or better yet, join Fleet 10 next year, May 18 & 19 for the 3rd annual Manhattan Regatta. It's bound to be even better! For more J/105 Manhattan Regatta sailing information
