Sail Newport To Discuss Real-Life Drama on High Seas

The Newport-based PUMA Ocean Racing Team is about to start their grueling race around the world. The Volvo Ocean Race 2011-12 begins with an in-port race in Alicante, Spain on Oct. 29 followed by the first leg start to Cape Town on Nov. 5.  

Newport skipper Ken Read, however, will speak to the team’s global challenge at “Sail Newport Presents” with an action-packed multi-media presentation on Tuesday, Oct. 18, starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Jane Pickens Theater.

The event will benefit Sail Newport and Read will be joined onstage by fellow crew members Casey Smith and Rome Kirby, also Newport residents.   

In addition, Newport sailor Mick Harvey will give his first-hand report on the harrowing ordeal of the Newport-based race boat Rambler 100, which suffered a catastrophic keel loss and capsize at sea off the coast of Ireland recently in the Fastnet Race. Newport resident and professional sailor Jerry Kirby will also attend who was one of 21 crew members miraculously rescued by the Irish Coast Guard in the incident. 
  
Tickets are available to purchase online at www.sailnewport.org. Individual tickets cost $30 ($25 for Sail Newport members). Sail Newport members may also purchase a “boatload” discounted group of ten tickets for $200.

Youth sailors under 18 from organized sailing programs on Narragansett Bay are free, but must have a reservation.

Contact: Katie Barker atKatie.barker@sailnewport.org, or telephone Sail Newport (401) 846-1983. The event is expected to sell out and organizers recommend purchasing tickets quickly as tickets may not be available at the door. Doors will open at 6 p.m. and the presentation starts at 6:30 p.m. at the Jane Pickens Theater located in Washington Square, Newport.