Classic Yacht Challenge Series Caps Newport Season

The Classic Yacht Challenge Series (CYCS) fleet marked the end of summer in Newport, Rhode Island, with the Newport Classic Yacht Regatta, presented by IYRS, over Labor Day weekend. The event closed out the Narragansett Bay portion of the season before the fleet shifts to Long Island Sound for its final two regattas of the year.

Saturday brought only light air, and despite best efforts from the Ida Lewis Yacht Club’s Race Committee, racing was called off. On Sunday, however, the breeze filled in stronger than forecast, allowing for a spirited finale to the Bay season.

“We are coming down to the wire in this year’s CYCS and we could not ask for more exciting competition,” said CYOA Chair Timmy Dittrich. “The Newport Classic Yacht Regatta marked the traditional end of summer with gorgeous sailing and great camaraderie.”

The regatta produced standout performances across divisions. In the Vintage class, Chris Culver helmed the 1926 12-meter Onawa to victory, also collecting the Atlantic and Sappho Trophies for best elapsed and corrected times over distance. Among the Classics and Modern Classics, Steve Eddelston’s newly refit 12-meter Weatherly and Jack Curin’s Intrepid took top honors. In the Spirit of Tradition division, Don Smith’s Falcon won in its debut outing.

Centennial celebrations were in order for Peter McClennen’s R Boat Gamecock, refit by IYRS students in 2011. The 100-year-old yacht placed third overall for the weekend, held its lead in the RI/CT/NY division, and narrowed the gap on overall leader Blackwatch. Both yachts were further recognized for designer distinctions, with Gamecock taking Best Herreshoff performance and Blackwatch named Best Sparkman & Stephens performer.

The weekend’s racing was joined by festivities ashore and afloat, including a patriotic parade of boats and a fleet of women sailing Herreshoff 12½s, who trained together all summer. Their presence added both competition and camaraderie to the regatta, which closed with a lively afterparty at IYRS.

Next, the CYCS heads to Sea Cliff Yacht Club on Long Island Sound for the Heritage Cup Regatta and Rendezvous on September 6. “The picturesque surroundings of the historic Sea Cliff Village offer a stunning backdrop for spectators to witness the thrilling competition,” said event organizer Michael Emmert. “Hempstead Harbor allows us to start and finish the regatta less than five minutes from the mooring field, which allows us to showcase these magnificent yachts from land and sea.”

Results and current standings are available at classicyachts.org/results.

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