By Airwaves Writer Clinton Hayes
As the summer draws near its time to think about what events you’re going to sail. Whether you’re working full time, or just at a summer job between school years, team racing is always a good choice. It’s the most fun, competitive, yet friendly racing that’s easily available to almost anyone.
All of the team races below are “bring your own boat” V15 events. This might sound difficult if you don’t own a boat, but don’t let that hold you back, they are pretty easy to come by. For all events, the Rhode Island Team Racing Association (RITRA), charters boats for about $100/weekend. This is almost cheaper then owning your own. They are all race quality with sails in very good condition. RITRA provides colored jibs for most of the New England events so you don’t have to worry about that either. Most of these events are hosted in areas with active V15 fleets with many cheap/free charters available. Just email the contacts listed in the NOR and they will help you out.
Finally, Check out all the V15’s listed for sale on Sail1design. Many of them are very good deals. Vanguard 15’s hold their value very well over time so check them out and consider owning one of the easiest to maintain and most competitive one designs in the country.
Marblehead Team Race June 22-23
Newest on the circuit but quickly becoming most popular, The Marblehead Team Race is hosted out of beautiful Eastern Yacht Club in; you guessed it, Marblehead, MA. Boston College Head Coach, Greg Wilkinson, provides expert and hyper efficient race management to make this the best bang for your buck. Racing takes places at the mouth of Marblehead Harbor. You can expect light to moderate conditions and almost certainly some chop. Each of the last two years has drawn over 10 highly competitive teams and over 20 races per team. Again, great bang for your buck! At only $30/person you get great racing, water and other beverages provided by support boats, and a great Saturday evening social on the front porch of Eastern. Open your Vanguard 15 Team Race season with a bang and head up to Marblehead.
http://www.easternyc.org/page/sailing/racing/Mhead_TR
Windy City Team Race June 22-23
This event seems to get better every year, this year being no exception. The Host, Chicago Corinthian Yacht Club, has a long-standing V15 fleet based out of Montrose Harbor. Racing will be right outside the club in front of downtown Chicago. This is sure to be a great event, with umpires provided by the Chicago Match Race Center. Priority for housing and charters will be given to out of town teams. For more information on that you can contact Andy Camarda AVC234@gmail.com, 312-768-3403. One of the coolest things about this event is it features all levels of team racing from newbies to college champions. No matter what level your at you are sure have a blast and learn some new. This is especially true as it’s the only Umpired team race on the circuit. Goose Island Brewery will be sponsoring the event this year, providing complementary beer and a party Saturday night. Come see what Chicago is all about and get your team together now!
http://www.corinthian.org/v15/index.html
Midsummas Team Race June 29-30
A Classic! It’s come, its gone, but this year its back 100% confirmed at Wianno Yacht Club. This event seems to take a slightly different form each year depending on where it is and who’s running it. However, the constants are big breeze, waves, and a fun time. Despite coming and going, this event is always well organized. The two years I’ve sailed it, PROs were Ken Legler(2008 Wianno) and Danny Rabin(2010 Wild Harbor). I’m sure this year will be no different. Like Marblehead, there will almost certainly be 10+ high quality teams. Racing will most likely take place just outside West Bay in Osterville, MA on the Nantucket Sound. Again, this place is known for a great sea breeze and big waves, the sort of condition the V15 really lights up in, which earns this event the title you don’t know till you try it. After racing, heal those tired hiking muscles at what’s sure to be a great party back at Wianno Yacht Club. This is a perfect event for those of you spending your summer on the islands off Cape Cod as its just one town over from the Hyannis Ferry terminal. Lots of housing with friends and families. You can even camp at a the state park (I’ve done it and it was a blast!)
Random Pairs 2 v 2 Team Race July 20-21
A Local Favorite! If you haven’t sailed it before, you have to try it, by far the Most Unique event in sailing. Here’s how it works: Boats register individually. You are matched up with a different teammate and sail against different opponents in every race 2 vs 2. You are scored by winning percentage. There have been many formats over the years but I think they have finally got it right. 40 Boats are allowed to enter divided into two roughly even groups based on skill. Racing takes place on two circles in Mackerel Cove, off Jamestown, RI. The top half of each group after Saturday advance to Gold Fleet on Sunday while the bottom half race in silver fleet. With the 2 vs 2 format, racing is quick and competitive (just ask John Stork) and really never over till someone crosses the finish line last. The event is professionally managed by the Rhode Island Team Racing Association (RITRA) and always has great perks that come along with it. Competitors are always treated to complementary beverages for the long sail back to Fort Adams, sometimes served in custom RITRA koozies. There is also a casual pizza dinner after racing where you can brag to your friends about the move of the day over some cold ones. this the Where else can you sail with and against Team Racing World Champions at a real regatta in the same day?
http://www.ritra.org/2v2-random-pairs/
New York Yacht Club Team Race August 17-18
Dinghies on the front lawn of NYYC? There is nothing better! Lead by Beth Duggan, NYYC always puts on a truly professional event. It seems like all the best team racers come out for this one, which earns it the distinction of Most Competitive event. It is usually a great preview of who to watch for at the Hinman. Racing takes place in the usual location between Goat and Rose Islands off Newport. There is usually a former Team Racing World Champion running RC making for great quality racing. Three-minute justice is served quick and clean between races and almost never slows down the rotation. One of the better perks of this event is getting to sail back into NYYC and having full access to their fine property (assuming your dressed appropriately). Saturday dinner is smart casual and usually includes all you can drink free Newport Storm. After, you have the town of Newport at your disposal and another great day of racing to look forward to. Sunday afternoon, awards are on top of the iconic hill in front of the club and includes more drinks and munchies. At only $55/person this event is another killer deal. Make your plans now!
http://www.nyyc.org/gui/nyyc1/uploadedfiles/2007_awards/v15.pdf
Larchmont Team Race TBD usually late August
Another classic, Larchmont Yacht Club, the sight of last year’s Hinman is well known for their great team racing. With its close proximity to NYC and large number of boats for potential charter, this is one of the easiest regattas to attend. Racing is always run by a great professional race committee in or around Larchmont Harbor on western Long Island Sound. Like the other events, this almost always draws 10+ high caliber teams. Since it’s usually the last event of the summer, most teams use it as a warm-up for the Hinman, making the event that much more competitive. Social Events are second to none. Many times sponsored by Heineken. Keep checking Larchmont’s Calendar and also the V15 class website as dates get finalized. Also, if you’re in the area, check out all the V15 fleet races at Larchmont usually attended by many former College All-Americans who live and work in the greater NYC area.
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