(Marblehead, MA)- A competitive international fleet of boats will be at
the starting line July 9 to begin the Marblehead to Halifax ocean race.
The 363-mile race, which dates back to 1905, is billed as the
“granddaddy of ocean races.”Seventy-three boats have already signed up with two months of registration to go. “We are excited about the strength of the entries so far,” said Jennie Aspinall, Vice Commodore of the Boston Yacht Club and co-chair of the race. “Sixteen of the entrants will be defending one of more podium finishes from 2015.”
Several J/teams with impressive records have already signed up; including at least three J/120s- Gardner Grant’s ALIBI, Jim Praley’s SHINNECOCK, and Stu McCrea’s J/120 DEVIATION (read their story on preparation below in J/Community section). Others are Chris Lewis’ J/44 KENAI from Houston, TX; Brad Willauer’s J/46 BREEZING UP from Scarborough, ME; and Phil Helmes’ J/133 FAST COMPANY III from Marblehead, MA.
The
event is a cooperative venture of the Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron
and the Boston Yacht Club of Marblehead. Title sponsor is the Steele
Auto Group of Canada with USA supporting sponsors: Gill, Marblehead
Bank, Harborside Sotheby’s International Realty and BNY Mellon Wealth
Management.Among the current 73 entries, 34 are first timers, 17 are second timers and there are four entrants who have only missed two races since 1997. Richard Hinterhoeller of RNSYS, Co-Director, says one of those racing has entered every Marblehead to Halifax since 1997. The Marblehead to Halifax race will cap off a week of Fourth of July celebrations in the picturesque ocean side community. The Boston Yacht club will host a round of parties and receptions throughout the event. Sailing photo credits- Craig Davis For more Marblehead to Halifax Race sailing information Add to Flipboard Magazine.
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