Wins J/70 class at AYC Summer Regatta(Annapolis, MD)- Terry Hutchinson has been an integral member of multiple America’s Cup programs and currently spends the majority of his time competing at the highest level of monohull sailing as tactician for Quantum Racing in the 52 Super Series.
However, Hutchinson was just another weekend warrior this past Saturday as he skippered an entry in the annual Annapolis Yacht Club Summer One Design regatta.
While new to the boat, Hutchinson’s overall experience showed through as he won both races in skippering USA 419 to victory in J/70 class. Admittedly rusty steering a small boat for the first time in five years, the Harwood resident got great support from a top-notch crew as fellow professional Allan Terhune served as tactician and jib trimmer while standout local sailor Ray Wulff handled the bow.
“I needed all the help I could get,” Hutchinson said with a laugh. “It was the maiden sail for this boat and I was learning every step of the way.”
Hutchinson, recently hired by Quantum Sail Design Group as an Executive Vice President, said he wanted to sail more locally now that he has moved back home after nearly five years away. The St. Mary’s High graduate co-owns the J/70 with fellow Quantum pro Scott Nixon and both intend to primarily sail the boat with family.
“It was fun to go out and participate with the local fleet. We had a lot of fun on the water and it was good to meet everybody before and after racing,” Hutchinson said.
Occam’s Razor, owned by Annapolis residents Walt and Tricia Pletcher, finished second on the strength of a second and third place results. Walt Pletcher said it was a thrill to compete against such renowned pros as Hutchinson and Terhune, former of whom is a past Rolex Yachtsman of the Year and latter of whom was a finalist for the award last year.
“It definitely takes things up a notch when you are going against sailors of that caliber,” he said. “That’s one of the great things about our sport: Full-on amateurs can compete against the best in the world. It’s exciting and a great deal of fun.”
Occam’s Razor has enjoyed a strong season and earned a berth in the inaugural J/70 World Championships by placing 11th at the Annapolis stop of the National Offshore One-Design series. Pletcher was not surprised that Hutchinson won his very first J/70 regatta in a fleet filled with owners who have been racing the hot new sport boat for a year or more.
“Terry can jump into anything and do well because he understands how to make a boat go fast in different conditions,” Pletcher said.
Back at the dock and during the post-regatta social, Hutchinson and Terhune both happily dispensed advice and pass along tricks of the trade.
“Guys like Terry and Allan are very approachable and more than willing to tell anyone who asks what they are doing out on the course,” Pletcher said. “It’s a case of pros giving back to the amateurs who keep the sport alive.”
A total of 23 boats in four classes competed in the Summer One Design Regatta, which was held in light southwesterly winds that started in the 4-6 knot range and gradually built. Three starts were planned, but principal race officer Steve Kling called it a day after two in order to get the fleet into port before dark.
Tim Mowry and his team on Dakota Girl won both races in topping J/35 class while Skimmer (Jack & Marti Detweiler, Alerion 28), Hot Toddy (Jeff Todd, J/22) and Rush Hour (Pat FitzGerald) all won with score lines of 2-1. Thanks for contribution from Capital Gazette- Bill Wagner/ bwagner@capgaznews.com
|
