I don’t remember exactly when but somewhere during my sophomore and junior years at URI I responded to a posting on the bulletin board at the student union. This led me to Mr. Lynch, who became a lifelong friend. It was a request for someone to do sail testing. Mr Lynch had a friend named Domina Jalbert. He had invented the re-entry parachutes for the space capsules for NASA. A man from Pawtucket, RI, who loved flying kites. He had an idea for sails and needed some practical testing and feedback.
Pre-feeder
In 1977 we discussed what would happen if when hoisting the jib it jammed in the pre-feeder. I worked evenings after racing hand making one pre-feeder capable of being opened in the event there was jam. As with so many things once the season was over, I put it away. Preparing for the America’s Cup Jubilee in 2001 the question came up again. I still had my hand made proto-type. Jim Gubelmann, a good friend took an interest in it as a marketable product.
1983 America’s Cup
1983 changed the course of America’s Cup history forever, and with it the fate of Newport. Twenty-five years ago this September, a bittersweet anniversary.
Hanna was a bust
Tropical storm “Hanna” missed Newport; however last week Bunky Helfrich lost his battle with leukemia. I had sailed with Bunky, always on one of Ted Turner’s boats. Bunky was likely Ted’s best friend. Bunky is pictured far right in the crew photo of “Courageous” wearing a Lily Pulitzer bathing suits.
Waiting for Tropical Storm Hanna
It is the weekend, and I have no sailing planned. Yesterday I prepared everything I felt needed to be attended to before “Hanna” arrived. As you can see the visibility is nil; any sailing plans would have been canceled. We are in Hurricane season. One’s mind wanders when there is no focus.
The Hermit of Narrow River
When I started school at URI in 1966 the only road to get there was a small winding road. I would pass a falling down house situated on a charming spot. One day I found the courage to knock on the door; thats how I met Bill Lacy, the hermit of Narrow River. He wasn’t really a hermit; he just couldn’t get around very well as he had no car and there certainly was no bus passing by.
Royal Ocean Racing Club
No club has been more important in my sailing career than the Royal Ocean Racing Club. I joined in 1969; shortly after finishing the Fastnet race and having won the Admiral’s Cup, sailing aboard “Carina”. One of the conditions of membership is to have completed a number of the Club’s races offshore. A true yacht club. I live in the United States, however I have completed 4 Admiral’s Cups, and 5 Fastnet races as well as many of the Clubs other races. I try to stay in touch with events at the RORC.
New York Yacht Club Harbour Court lily pond
If you park near the sailing office you will walk by the lily pond at Harbour Court. It gives me no end of pleasure to see the daily changes. The New York Yacht Club has succeeded in making an environment that not only fulfills the need of access to the water for sailing but an exceedingly pleasant one as well. Spend an evening overlooking the harbour at sunset.
Final Day of Racing Classic Yacht Parade
Sunday Morning started with a Parade of Classic Yachts both power and sail. Once again “Elenora” steals the limelight; even from Elvis. She conjures images of times gone by, Edwardian elegance at its best.
Classic Yacht Regatta Day One
Sailing aboard “Siren” a NY 32 designed by Olin Stephens; day one. 9:30 am skippers meeting, Ted Hood, Halsey Herreshoff, Gary Jobson, and a few others. The hope of wind expressed by all of the forecasts; out onto the water to wait. And wait we did, until 2:45; racing was abandoned for the day. The wait was an opportunity to look at the wonderful boats assembled for this regatta. “Elenora” the replica of the great Herreshoff schooner. “Ticonderoga”, and many other wonderful yachts lovingly restored.