Author: ws lirakis

a sailor who carries a camera

1972 Charisma

A few days ago there was a reunion of sorts. a number of the crew of the “glory days” of Charisma the S&S 56 belonging to Jesse Phillips turned up in Newport. I keep fond memories of our days sailing. It all seemed so easy, we all had confidence in one another . In the photo on the left taken during the Bermuda race, a hurricane crossed the course, we had
70 knots over the deck at one point. It was also the moment I decided that I could make a better safety harness.(it’s me in the photo)
the photo taken from the masthead of Charisma during the trans-atlantic race to Spain. A long slow race.
From there we took off to get to Sardinia in time for the first Mediterranean championships, Bill Ficker came and skippered the boat, we won everything.
the bottom photo is of Peter Van dyke and John Browning sailing throught the straits of Gibraltar

sunday sail


Racing a J-105 during the New York Yacht Club race week, the weather was mostly uneventful, however, on sunday a big black cloud appeared over Pt. Judith, the race committee started a race anyway. we had 50 knots shortly after that. we were all a little busy at the time. this photo taken sfter the race was cancelled sets the tone of the moment.

New York Yacht club Classics Regatta july 2008

This regatta was a celebration not just of classic yachts but Olin Stephens 100th birthday. Just the number and variety of boats Olin designed that I had the privilege of sailing and the joy it gave me over the years, is more than a few. Olin’s name was synonymous with twelve meters and the defense of the America’s cup.
I am steering Peter Cassidy’s NY 32 “Siren” in the round the island race, we finished 2nd for the day and third overall. The New York 32 designed in 1935 was one of Olin’s designs.

chicago-mackinac race 2007




July 2007, I flew to Chicago to sail aboard the Farr 42 “Sue” belonging to Jim Moller. The Chicago-Mackinac race is advertised as the longest freshwater race in the world;effectively sailing the length of Lake Michigan.
Designed as an IRC boat, being sailed in a race conducted as an ORR race, we sailed well, finishing 15th boat for boat, but garnered no silver, on corrected time.

“Wonder Woman” was a much more amusing photo than one of me trimming the spinnaker.

A great crew.