NYYC Annual Regatta Returns to Aquidneck Island this Summer

The New York Yacht Club's 157th Annual Regatta has announced the dates it'll return to Newport this summer. America's oldest and longest running race, which originated in 1845 in Hoboken, NJ, will be held from June 10 to 12 and will be sponsored by Rolex.

The Flag Officers and Sailing Committee are looking to “increase participation in the competition on the water and the camaraderie on the shore,” officials said.

“We are looking to really step it up this year,” said Phil Lotz, Sailing Committee Chair. “The Annual Regatta and the Annual Cruise are the Club’s most important events, and we are hoping to attract not only all of our regular competitors, but also to encourage all those who have not participated in recent years to come to Newport and join in the history.” 

A 19-nautical-mile Around-the-Island race will kick off the weekend on June 10, bringing the yachts around Conanicut Island. Teams of two yachts can also enter to win the Rolex Cup for no fee and will be scored separately from the rest of the racing over the weekend. A cocktail party and awards ceremony will follow race weekend.

IRC, One-Designs, 12 Metres, 6 Meteres and Classics will complete on June 11-12 in a two-day series consisting of several races. Teams with three or more yachts from any club other than the NYYC can enter to compete for the Great Corinthian Trophy.

The addition of “Navigator” races on the 11^th and 12^th is a deviation from previous years. Non-spinnaker classes will use the NYYC Cruising Rule, PHRF and IRC NS handicap systems. Each day of racing will be scored separately.

“There are hundreds of boats out there that may not want to thrash around a windward/leeward course,” Lotz said. “This will be the perfect opportunity to sail a more relaxed race, maybe with a short-handed crew, and not have to commit to a full weekend of racing.” Yachts in the “Navigator” races have the option of only paying for the day they race.

Another change to the race is lowered entry fees, which is to encourage participation, officials said. Trophies will also be awarded on the upper lawn at the end of the regatta on June 12 instead of at the Club's Annual Awards Dinner in November as in previous years.

“It’s all about the fun...more fun on shore and a wider variety of racing on the water to best suit the sailing interests of our members,” said Event Chair Peggy Comfort. “We are planning some nice surprises this year.”

The NYYC will also this fall. 

The Notice of Race and entry forms are posted at http://nyyc.org/157th-annual-regatta. The entry deadline is Monday, June 6. For more information, visit the regatta Web site or contact the Sailing Office at sailingoffice@nyyc.orgor (401) 845-9633.