August 26, 2009: We Don’t Shoot Turkeys
By: Allan Young
If you have never participated in the Hospice Turkey Shoot Regatta on Virginia’s Rappahannock River you’ve missed what many sailors consider to be the best, most fun-filled event in the area. Registration is underway for this year’s Turkey Shoot, scheduled for October 9-11. Land events take place at Yankee Point Marina on Myer Creek off the Corrotoman River. Races on Saturday and Sunday are held between Norris Bridge and Urbanna. The regatta is for “old boats” – of course, the preferred term is “classic yachts.” The design of the sailboat must be at least 25 years old.
Members of the regatta committee aim for one important goal. "We want the Regatta to be a fun event for skipper and crew, whether they compete in a J24 or a pre World War II classic beauty.” Because the event out of Yankee Point Marina has consistently met this goal for 18 years, it has grown to become the largest regatta on the Southern Chesapeake Bay and the largest Hospice Regatta in the Nation. Chesapeake Bay Magazine rated the event as “Best of the Bay.”
Last year the Turkey Shoot raised $45,000 for Northern Neck Hospice Support Services which helps care for persons with life-threatening illnesses in the four Northern Neck counties.
Check out the regatta at hospiceturkeyshootregatta.com, especially the review by Spinsheet Magazine.
If you have never participated in the Hospice Turkey Shoot Regatta on Virginia’s Rappahannock River you’ve missed what many sailors consider to be the best, most fun-filled event in the area. Registration is underway for this year’s Turkey Shoot, scheduled for October 9-11. Land events take place at Yankee Point Marina on Myer Creek off the Corrotoman River. Races on Saturday and Sunday are held between Norris Bridge and Urbanna. The regatta is for “old boats” – of course, the preferred term is “classic yachts.” The design of the sailboat must be at least 25 years old.
Members of the regatta committee aim for one important goal. "We want the Regatta to be a fun event for skipper and crew, whether they compete in a J24 or a pre World War II classic beauty.” Because the event out of Yankee Point Marina has consistently met this goal for 18 years, it has grown to become the largest regatta on the Southern Chesapeake Bay and the largest Hospice Regatta in the Nation. Chesapeake Bay Magazine rated the event as “Best of the Bay.”
Last year the Turkey Shoot raised $45,000 for Northern Neck Hospice Support Services which helps care for persons with life-threatening illnesses in the four Northern Neck counties.
Check out the regatta at hospiceturkeyshootregatta.com, especially the review by Spinsheet Magazine.
August 17, 2009: 2009 Rolex Fastnet Race
By: Sam Marshall
The 2009 Rolex Fastnet race was won by Ran 2, owned by Niklas Zennstrom, founder of Skype, an internet phone call service. The 72-foot boat was designed by Judel-Vrolik and launched only this year. Ran 2 finished in a corrected time 2 hours, 19 minutes ahead of the Italian America's Cup team Luna Rossa.
The tides were the determining factor, since the big, fast boats were able to catch the outgoing tide early whereas the smaller, slower boats were caught by the next incoming tide. Boats in these classes are still on the course, though most have rounded Fastnet Rock. The famous race goes from Cowes on The English Channel coast westward to the southern tip of Ireland and back to Plymouth, England. At times in the past, storms have been severe; the worst resulted in the loss of life of 15 crew in 1979.
Much more and photos can be seen at www.regattanews.com.
The 2009 Rolex Fastnet race was won by Ran 2, owned by Niklas Zennstrom, founder of Skype, an internet phone call service. The 72-foot boat was designed by Judel-Vrolik and launched only this year. Ran 2 finished in a corrected time 2 hours, 19 minutes ahead of the Italian America's Cup team Luna Rossa.
The tides were the determining factor, since the big, fast boats were able to catch the outgoing tide early whereas the smaller, slower boats were caught by the next incoming tide. Boats in these classes are still on the course, though most have rounded Fastnet Rock. The famous race goes from Cowes on The English Channel coast westward to the southern tip of Ireland and back to Plymouth, England. At times in the past, storms have been severe; the worst resulted in the loss of life of 15 crew in 1979.
Much more and photos can be seen at www.regattanews.com.
