2010 Northeast Harbor Race

This year's the Centerboard Yacht Club Northeast Harbor Race was a great success. We had 13 boats in 3 divisions racing 100 miles from Portland to Mount Desert Island. The fleet took off on Friday in a steady westerly breeze that quickly swung around to the southwest sea breeze. For a little while you could see boats with spinnakers on the same course as boats close-hauled.

Sunset saw Sequin fading behind and Monhegan abeam for most of the fleet. The wind started back around to the West and eventually Northwest. Soon the moon rose, nearly full, and lit up the sea as the fleet neared and passed Matinicus Rock. Boats were visited by whales and porpoises plus many sea birds and seals. Sunrise found the fleet heading north towards Greater and Little Duck Islands and then on to the finish.

The entire fleet finished during the daylight on Saturday and made it into the harbor in time for dinner. Sunday's brunch was well attended with over 40 crew members in attendance, sharing stories about encounters with a floating stump that look like a whale and rafts of seaweed that appeared to follow certain boats. After the brunch many members of the fleet headed out on one or two week cruises downeast. Other boats headed back westward towards home and the fall sailing season.

Many thanks to all of the participants who made this race the adventure it is. We also are grateful for the sponsorship of Bayview Sails & Rigging, Maine Yacht Center and the Kimball Terrace Inn. Plans are already in the works for next year, a date will be announced at the GMORA Banquet this fall.

The results (and CYC connections)
Cruising Class:
Peregrine, Chris Allen - CYC member
Trader, Steve Purdy - CYC member
Aeolus, Tim Reilley - CYC member
Southern Cross, Chris Loader & Steve Hudson
Gandalf, Steve Booth - CYC (Anita was onboard)

Double-Handed:
Greyhawk - Tim Allen
Cat's Paw - Butch Minson
Imagine - Randy Rice

Racing:
Keemah - Don Logan
Buzz - Rich Stevenson - CYC (Gregg & Merle Hallett were onboard)
Libra - Barney Baker
Sans Cullottes - Robert Johnston
Furtherback - Chris Stewart