Shipyard Cup

During my cruise, I got the chance to participate in the Shipyard Cup, a race for yachts over 70 feet.  This regatta is hosted by Hodgdon Yachts, builder of gorgeous megayachts.  Event chairman is former Maine Sailing Partner and Points East yachtsman of the year Ted Smith, and he certainly puts on a show.

In addition to some great parties, the event consists of two races of about 20 miles around Boothbay and environs.  The handicaps are applied at the start so that the first boat to finish is the winner.  I sailed on the 76 foot Goshawk, designed by Bob Stephens and Built by Brooklin Boatyard.  We managed a very creditably 4, 1 for second place overall, but couldn't defeat the ILC maxi Captivity.  As someone commented bringing this boat to the Shipyard Cup was kind of like bringing a gun to a knife fight.

Another participant was this handsome schooner, shown about to take her start:

When she was under construction we were asked to bid on her sails, but demurred since we felt we could not adhere to the somewhat anachronistic specifications required by the owner.  Apparently, the owner has revised his views on appropriate technology as she was sporting a new radial main and fisherman staysail (not by MSP).  Unfortunately, it appears from this closeup that the fabrics chosen aren't really up to the task.

We hope the owner isn't put off modern sailmaking...