The Middle Sea Race, one of the great 600 milers of ocean racing. I had the great pleasure of sailing in 2009. Bugs Baer chartered a 61 foot (Nix) boat for the race and called in many of his former crew.
Malta is a spectacular place. the race is a challenging one with many turning marks and the curious Mediterranean weather.
In 2009 74 boats started and 30 some either withdrew or sank the first night.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of “Courageous” the first aluminum 12 meter and the last two time defender of the America’s Cup. She had a difficult birth as circumstances lento the first syndicate abandoning the cause. We kept building while Olin Stephens assembled a new syndicate.
The trials were so interesting, because “Intrepid” the other two time defender, in wood pushed “Courageous” to the wire. It was the story of the summer. The margins in the actual defense showed how very superior “Courageous” was.
SEPTEMBER 26, 1983 AUSTRALIA II DEFEATED LIBERTY 4-3 IN A BEST OF 7 SERIES TO WIN THE AMERICA’S CUP. THE RIGHT THING HAPPENED FOR ALL THE WRONG REASONS. IT WAS TIME TO RE-SHAPE THE AMERICA’S CUP; I DO NOT BELIEVE ANYONE COULD HAVE PREDICTED WHERE WE ARE NOW.
Having raced from Newport, RI to Cork Ireland aboard “Carina”; this is the Ireland I was introduced to; and seduced by.
I such fond memories of my early summers in Westport, MA. Endless days, carefree, full of adventure. ( not unlike Amazons and Swallows) Always one more adventure, one more discovery. It is where I first sailed and raced in what I believe where known as westport pond skiffs; clumsy and heavy.
