LYC Sailors Compete in 2010 Bermuda Race,
Take Home Silver
June 18-22, 2010
Hamilton, Bermuda
LYC sailors competed and fared well in the 2010 Newport-Bermuda Race. The famous 635-mile “Thrash to the Onion Patch” stands as one of the world’s classic ocean races and is certainly among the most challenging to sail. LYC had a very strong presence in this year’s race, with three club boats and 15 members racing. Gus Carlson’s R/P 66 Aurora came in second in Class 8 and 14th overall in the 108-boat St. David’s Lighthouse division (for amateur helmed yachts) and Rich duMoulin’s Lora Ann finished third in class and third overall in the 26-boat double-handed fleet.
Gus Carlson’s R/P 66 Aurora finished second in class 8.
Photo courtesy PPL Agency.
Between Newport and Bermuda stands the Gulf Stream, the successful navigation of which is critical to success. This year, an appealing meander appeared which mandated a strategy of sailing slightly west of the rhumb line. Despite a forecast of light to medium wind, a favorable and, sometimes strong, gradient wind developed for the middle of the race, which gave the fleet a starboard tack fetch or close jib reach on starboard tack a close jib reach in 18-22 knots of breeze. This, combined with up to four knots of south flowing current, made the Gulf Stream crossing quite rough, especially for the smaller boats in the fleet. The faster boats in the fleet slowed as they approached Bermuda in light air. The smaller boats had a better approach and were able to fetch in more stable breeze. After the race, the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club holds one of the best parties in sailing. Tall stories and Dark & Stormies soothe sunburns and aching muscles from several days at sea.
Aurora (ex-Blue Yankee), in its first race under Gus Carlson’s leadership, had a star-studded crew, with Gary Jobson making the tactical calls, Steve Benjamin standing as sailing master, and LYC member Lucas Marrero onboard. Tom Carroll’s well -traveled J/133 SirenSong had a solid race finishing fifth in her 13-boat class. An unprecedented fifth win was not in the cards for Rich duMoulin this year, but Lora Ann still made the podium.
Gus Carlson accepts his trophy for second in class at the Roya
Bermuda Yacht Club prize giving ceremony.
Photo courtesy PPL Agency.
Individual LYC members completing the “Thrash to the Patch” included Carl Ordemann aboard former LYC member Harry Bird’s Bluebird (second in class, third overall in the cruising division), Ryan and Tara Malloy, who sailed the J/44 Beagle, Peter Kingham who sailed aboard the Custom 56 Flying Goose, Marion Maneker and Chris Dunne, who sailed aboard the Santa Cruz 52 Magic, Ed and Mark duMoulin who chased their father down to the island on the Morris 47 Reindeer, Peter Bauer who sailed aboard the Aerodyne 38 Wazimo, and Chad Corning and Andy Besheer who sailed aboard the R/P 55 Rima2. RESULTS
Rich duMoulin accepts his trophy for second in class at the Royal
Bermuda Yacht Club prize giving ceremony.
Photo courtesy PPL Agency.
