Ten of us ventured to Newport RI to sail our Stars last weekend. On the race course were 26 Viper 640’s, 4 J80’s and 12 Melges 20’s. It was really fun sailing with other classes. The parties were low key and fun with everyone comparing boats and swapping stories. Of course, Newport delivered the great nightlife and sailing sights you would expect. In town (for the Transatlantic Race and coming back from Block Island) were many, many of the fabulous yachts we get to read about. Standing on the dock next to the J Boats Ranger and Velsheda were awe inspiring as well as the 12 meter with the circular vang track (where do they think that came from?—US!). Maltese Falcon and Artemis’ rigs towered over the harbor and many times during the weekend the mastheads were fogged in. ICAP Leopard, Rambler and Puma topped off the “eye candy” experience for all of us. Newport surely lives up to its reputation as a great place to sail and visit.

Light Northerly winds were prevalent until Sunday. PRO Anderson Reggio cranked out four races on Friday. The last race had to be shortened because the breeze just plain shut down! Tomas Hornos and Scott Sheffer ended the day 4 points ahead of Jack Jennings and Brian Sharp and 8 points ahead of John Vanderhoff sailing with Adam Dolezal. It was really tight racing for a small fleet and positions changed many times during the races.

Saturday showed more promise. We arrived at Fort Adams to a 8-10 knot breeze! Woo Hoo this should be a great day! The breeze was forecast from the Northerly direction to die out and come in from the South. Well die out it did! The committee fired off the AP over Alpha and we all got towed back to the Fort. Saturday’s dinner of burgers, chicken and brats with a good selection of salads and desserts was topped off with summer sweet corn.

Sunday was dismal at the start. Fog had set in and you couldn’t even see across the harbor to the New York Yacht Club. The committee did a postponement on land and we all got back to regaling last nights forays into town. Great laughs with good friends! Finally the flag came down and we all arrived at the starting area by Gould Island. The fog not only lifted it allowed the sun to peek through and it was a beautiful day for sailing. We had about 8 knots out of the South and got two more races off with the last one a finish to weather. Tomas was sailing with Mike Nichol (Saturday and Sunday) and they clearly dominated the scoreboard but also gave us all some great sailing lessons.

The winners of all the classes received trophies and a fifth of Bacardi 8 rum and a box of Cohiba cigars! Dang, I need to get better at this!