The 97th annual CYC Around the Island Race features Classics to Grand Prix
by Conanicut Yacht Club Around the Island Race 5 Sep 00:26 NZST
September 1, 2024
Despite overcast skies and intermittent sprinkles, the 97th Annual Conanicut Yacht Club (CYC) Around the Island Race delivered a day of exhilarating competition on the water. With 73 boats participating across 9 staggered starts, the challenging 18-mile course around Jamestown tested sailors' skills and strategy, making for a race to remember.
The fleet featured a diverse range of vessels, from 21-footers to the impressive 66-footers, each bringing its own flavor to the competition. Leading the charge and crossing the finish line first was Temptation/Oakcliff a JV66, helmed by Art Santry and the Oakcliff Sailing team, who completed the course in just two hours flat.
Among the standout participants was Zemphira, a 75-foot sleek black modern-built classic from Boothbay, Maine accompanied by their "tender" a 100-foot classic motor yacht that shot a cannon at the finish for her mothership. The Spirit of Tradition yacht, crafted at Brooklin Boatyard, made its CYC Around the Island debut after participating in the Newport Classic Yacht Regatta the previous day.
Another classic that graced the event was Arion, a Herreshoff-designed beauty helmed by Jamestown resident Steve Frary. Frary fondly recalled the race's historical connection with the Newport Classic Yacht Regatta, expressing hope for its return: "This race is a big part of our summer traditions, and we would love to see the classics make a comeback by the 100th edition."
The overall fleet winner was the nimble Manic, a Shaw 6.5 skippered by Alex Watson from Bristol, RI had a crew of 4 working hard on the lap around the island. Second place went to Jamestowner Chris Cannon's 63-foot custom Alden, Verrissimo.
Reflecting on the day's conditions, Race Chair Peter Schott noted, "We were fortunate with the weather—the heavy rain held off, and the breeze remained steady. The Race Committee executed the starts with precision, resulting in one of the most dynamic finishes in recent memory as the fleet condensed under the Newport Bridge." Schott also highlighted the introduction of a MarkSetBot, a robotically controlled pin, which ensured perfectly aligned starts, a vital factor in managing the strong outgoing tide during the first leg of the course.
Spectators were treated to a breathtaking display as the fleet hoisted their spinnakers down the west passage, creating a vibrant spectacle at Beavertail Lighthouse. Cranston resident Mark LeBeau, who drove down to witness the event, remarked, "The sight of those colorful sails against the backdrop of the ocean was truly unparalleled."
For a complete rundown of the results, visit YachtScoring.