Star World Cup Regatta September 8-17, 2022 Marblehead, MA
Star World Cup Regatta Sponsored by Eastern Yacht Club Marblehead, MA 2022
Been a long time since Marblehead MA has hosted a World Cup Regatta with over eighty boats registered. September 8-17th, Marblehead welcomed the Star Fleet for an amazing regatta. It was incredible to witness this event. Fortunately we were lucky enough to be a guest on one of the Eastern Yacht Clubs members power boats for the race held on September 16th. Many thanks for Jon Davies. Not only did he drive us around, but provided lunch, drinks, and a beer!
Below are just a sample of the hundreds of photographs we took. With a fleet this size it was a challenge as to where to the position the power boats without getting in the way. The race started and as anticipated there was a general recall. This means they had to set the sequence again to re-start.
The major decision the skippers had to decide is what side of the course they wanted to start. One of the ends of the starting line was going to be favored. This meant immediately if you happened to pick the wrong end you were going to be at a huge disadvantage. Some of the boats played it safe and started in the middle of the fleet.
It did not take long to realize the right side of the course was favored. Those that decided to sail on the left side soon discovered it was the incorrect choice. The wind was ideal as it was coming off shore, which meant the waves were not going to be big. The breeze appeared to be steady and not any major oscillations.
Off on the horizon you could see the city of Boston and the skyline. It also made it clear of the distance between the lead boats and those playing “catch=up”. Over the years, we’ve learned anything can happen in the waters of Marblehead. More often than not, there are major wind shifts or changes in velocity. The race committee started the fleet quite a few miles off shore to help try and eliminate as many drastic changes as possible.
What really is alarming is the physical strength the crew must have to hike-out when the boats are going up wind. The crew’s job is to handle the jib (smaller sail) in the bow (front). Plus the very physical aspect of hanging over the side of the boat. Ideally they want the boat to be as flat as possible going up wind.
