BERMUDA RACE 1970
As I continue to “mine” my papers and photographs, new material comes to light. I have previously written about my “Carina” years and the Nye family. Not enough can be said about their involvement in yachting. Here are copies of the Bermuda newspaper after our win. and a photo of Bodie Rhodes and one of his daughters Robin.
BURT DARRELL
I first met Burt Darrell in 1970 after the Bermuda Race. We had work done at his yard. In the succeeding years I would always visit and help out at the yard, as the finish of a Bermuda Race would push the limits of the usual island time. I looked forward to it, as I was rewarded with many stories of the sailing past. He was a man of enormous understated charm. Often I was invited to lunch at his house, again understated, well hidden from the public. A house he built himself with lumber salvaged from wrecks on the reefs surrounding Bermuda. The House was built of teak.
HORSEBALL
It became an annual event The “Americans” verses the “French”. Before we left the Pyrenees at the end of the summer there would be a championship game. Our team comprised of my children, myself, and Michel riviere d’arc, who while a true frenchman ( directly descended from Joan of Arc) rounded out the number of our team. Our opponents, rode everyday and competed regularly, and were not about to lose to a pickup team of children and old men. The game was rough with aggressive play. I received a horses head in the jaw; and more than once someone tried to rub me off my horse while dipping for the ball.
VIRGINIE HERIOT
IT’S ALL CONNECTED
Indeed, it is all connected. I must have met Hoyle and Diane at the Newport Boat Show, I am no longer certain of the date. The show was held on Goat Island. I bought sail number 48 shortly after that.
SAILING SIX METERS
Sailing 6 meter “Madcap” designed by Frederick Hoyt in 1924. Perhaps the smallest 6 meter ever, which entitles her to more sail area than she can handle except in light air.
BLOCK ISLAND RACE WEEK 2009
Sailing on “Laura-Ann” belonging to Rich duMoulin for Block Island Race Week, re-united me with many old friends and classmates. My first race week since 1967 when I raced with Halsey Herreshoff on “Alerion” built to his design.