Ten days of sailing, parties, and fun at Larchmont Race Week

Larchmont Race Week 2024 © Larchmont Yacht Club

For a major regatta to retain its vitality for 126 years, it must be offering something special. Larchmont Yacht Club's annual Race Week does just that, yet that special factor has evolved over the past century.

No longer are we awed by the grand schooners and sloops of the early 1900s. Nor are we out there for seven days of big boat and one-design sailing and eight days for juniors. People's schedules have become more packed.

The special things that made this 126th Larchmont Race Week a success have been evolving over the past decade as this heritage event has continued. However, Race Week is primarily about sailboat racing, and this year had something for everyone from July 13 to 21.

Anyone who has raced Larchmont Race Week in the past recognizes that a big part of the regatta is the shoreside activities for which Larchmont YC is known. This year didn't disappoint.

From 250 people at Friday night's Commodore's Welcome Party and to over 450 lobsters served the first Saturday night to a huge after-racing party following the Execution Rocks Race, Saturday's Mount Gay Rum Night, and Sunday's Awards ceremony, the number of sailors and members on the front lawn of the Club proved that Larchmont Race Week still offers "something special."

"We worked all year to come up with innovations to deliver ten days of regatta fun," noted event co-chair and LYC Rear Commodore Andrew Weiss. "Working with the neighboring clubs, moving the Execution Rocks Race to the second Friday, and having high-profile after-sailing events made a difference."

J/105 Class

Winning this class was a perennial Long Island Sound Champion in the class, Paul Beaudin's LOULOU. Second went to Ines Purcell's PEREGRINA, while third was seized by Frank Luksic's SHAKEN NOT STIRRED.

J/88 Class

Winning the J/88s was Bill Purdy's WHIRLWIND, followed by Justin Scagnelli's ALBONDIGAS in second and Iris Vogel's DEVIATION YCC in third place.

PHRF 1 Division

No question this fleet was dominated by one of the best sailed J/111s in the country. As usual, Bill & Jackie Baxter's FIREBALL showed their transom to the fleet every day, posting a trio of bullets to win with just 3 pts.

PHRF 2 Division

This eight-boat fleet saw Albrecht Goethe's pretty J/46 HAMBURG II start fast with two bullets, but skip a beat in their third race to post a 4th and drop into 2nd place! Taking the third step on the podium was Todd Aven's J/99 THIN MAN counting all thirds!

PHRF 3 Division

Winning this fleet was JC Zucconi & Jim Townsend's J/92 EASY RED, winning with three bullets! Then, Jason Viseltear's J/80 UPSETTER grabbed the bronze medal with a 2-3-3 tally for 8 pts. They were followed by John Stathopoulos's J/24 AMERICAN ROBIN in fourth place counting triple 4ths!

Thanks for this contribution from Buttons Padin.

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