Classic Yachts Shine at the 2025 Tiedemann Regatta
The 2025 Robert H. Tiedemann Classics Regatta, hosted by the New York Yacht Club in Newport, Rhode Island, marked a stunning start to the summer’s Classic Yacht Challenge Series. Held in shifting Narragansett Bay breezes, the regatta served up three days of tight racing, historic yachts, and serious skill at the helm.
Sailing in Class B, Gamecock—a 100-year-old R Class sloop—sailed to victory under the experienced hand of skipper Peter McClennen. Described as “difficult to sail” due to its narrow groove and oversized main, Gamecock‘s win came from consistent teamwork and finesse over three navigator-style races.
In Class A, Intrepid—the two-time America’s Cup winner and last wooden boat to hoist the Auld Mug—showed her pedigree early, but a breeze convergence zone nearly cost the crew their regatta. Skipper Jack Curtin, who’s owned Intrepid for nearly three decades, credited his long-standing crew for their ability to grind back into the fight and finish strong.
The racing in Class C was equally close. Blackwing, a 29-foot modern classic skippered by former NYYC commodore George Hinman Jr., claimed the class win on a tiebreaker over Paul Koch’s Ponyo.
“We have four people that have sailed a lot and each of them could drive the boat if they wanted to,” noted Hinman, praising the local knowledge and tactical depth needed to navigate tidal influences on Narragansett Bay. “So they all add different things, and most of them—and I’m not that category—have lived here. The great thing that the New York Yacht Club is doing now is having more of these navigator courses. You go around the government marks, and the knowledge that they have on where you have to be in the tide and what you have to do is amazing. It’s not just windward-leeward courses anymore.”
The Tiedemann Regatta, which honors the legacy of classic yacht steward Robert H. Tiedemann, is known for more than just the competition. A highlight of the weekend was the informal in-water boat show, as competitors tied up at Harbour Court for a chance to share their yachts with fellow sailors and members.
The regatta is just the beginning. The Classic Yacht Challenge Series continues this month with the Vineyard Cup (July 12–13), a string of celebrated Maine events, and will return to Narragansett Bay in late August with the Herreshoff Classic and Newport Classic.
For full event standings and updates throughout the season, visit classicyachts.org.
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