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.
THE 12 METER NORTH AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS 2017 ARE/WERE SCHEDULED FOR 9/21-24. HOWEVER HURRICANE JOSÉ IS PARKED OFF THE NEW ENGLAND COAST AND DISRUPTING PLANS. YESTERDAY WE HAD GUSTS OF 42+ KNOTS; RACING IS CANCELLED FOR FRIDAY AND A DETERMINATION WILL BE MADE ON SATURDAY MORNING; ALL WEATHER DEPENDENT.
IN NEWPORT WE HAVE THE EXTRAORDINARY PRIVILEGE OF NARRAGANSETT BAY.
THIS PAST SUMMER HAS BEEN FULL A EXCITING EVENTS IF YOU LOVE BOATS; AND THE SEASON IS NOT DONE.
THE TWELVE METER CHAMPIONSHIPS ARE COMING UP SOON.
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.
The film produced by NBC sports is well done and a perspective I had not previously considered.
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.
Just two weeks ago Jim Kilroy (Kialoa) passed away. More recently George Coumantaros. It is truly the end of an era. Some of my fondest memories sailing were aboard “Boomerang”.
This past weekend was the 12 meter north american championships in newport RI. the racing was close in the end.
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.
