MY LIFE IN BOATS

I assembled this a few years ago because even I forget some of the boats and events I sailed. Still fond memories; and still making more.

40 YEARS AGO

This past weekend was the fortieth reunion of the “Courageous”/ “Independence” crews from 1977. It was genuinely nice to see people with whom I had shared so much. None of us are getting any younger, which puts particular emphasis on this event.

Ted Turner has been so good about re-uniting the teams.

OL PITTS AND HALSEY HERRESHOFF

OL PITTS, SISTER THERESE, HALSEY HERROSHOFF

TED TURNER AND GARY JOBSON

TED ADDRESSING THE TEAM

TED TURNER, OL PITTS, SISTER THERESE

RICK HOOD AND BOBBY CAMPBELL

INDEPENDENCE CREW 1977

HISTORY 40 YEARS AGO & 50 YEARS AGO

2017 marks the 50th anniversary of the launching and first successful defense by the 12 meter “Intrepid”. It also marks the second successful defense by the 12 meter “Courageous”. Each boat successfully defended the America’s Cup twice. Only one other boat can lay claim to that fact. That was “Columbia” 1899 & 1901. She is no longer with us.

CONSTELLATION & INTREPID 1967

INTREPID 1967

INTREPID

COURAGEOUS

FORTY YEARS AGO/ FIFTY YEARS AGO

Forty years ago about this date we towed to Newport for the start of the selection trials to defend the America’s Cup.

We had had a small regatta in Marblehead over the Memorial day weekend in which “Courageous” was faster on every point of sail. Reggie Pierce looked up from the grinder handles and quipped: “It’s going to be a long summer”. Those words proved to be prophetic.

“Independence” was supposed to be the anointed defender. The rest is history.

“Intrepid” will celebrate 50 years.

INDEPENDENCE CREW 1977

COURAGEOUS CREW 1977

LOOKING BACK AT COURAGEOUS

COURAGEOUS ON OUR WEATHER HIP

TRIMMED IN HARD

BERNADETTE WINS THE AMERICA’S CUP AT THE DOG TRACK

AMERICA’S DEMITASSE 1977

MEASURING THE 12’S

THE AMERICA’S CUP JUBILEE

I had the great privilege to sail “Columbia” the first twelve meter to defend the America’s Cup in 1958. at the America’s Cup Jubilee. There were 38 twelve meters there. This was a celebration of the 150th anniversary of the America’s Cup.

The idea of the Royal Yacht Squadron, from my prospective it exceeded all expectations. It was an endless parade of yachts each more beautiful and graceful the the next.