The Maryland YC Commodore Jim Gorman looked around his clubhouse and saw a history of MYC racing in all of the silver cups on display. Granted, many of these go back to the 1930’s and earlier, but MYC has a racing tradition nonetheless.
Gorman worked with Rock Creek Racing Association Commodore Mike Dodson to establish the first-annual “MYC Challenge Race.” Organized by RCRA, and sponsored by MYC, the race was a pursuit style race with the finish line right off of the shores of the yacht club. A splendid evening with copious wind made for a wonderful race. The pursuit race did not disappoint, as most of the fleet finished together for the enjoyment of the spectators lining the yacht club hill. The winner of the spinnaker class was Smoky, skippered by Greg Schoolden. The non-spin winner was Dianthus, skippered by David Tabor.
Also participating in the race was Witchcraft, the 66’ impeccably restored 1903 classic racing yacht . Maryland Yacht Club, founded in 1908, is proud to be called home to the equally historic Witchcraft.
RCRA has had an active racing fleet since 1970 – racing every Wednesday night in season on the Patapsco River. RCRA also sponsors two annual CBYRA races: the Star Spangled Classic and the Francis Scott Key Classic.
Witchcraft.
An awards party was held at MYC on the following Friday with a tasty buffet dinner, race stories, and trophies. The MYC Challenge Race will be an annual addition on the local RCRA racing schedule.
More info about Maryland Yacht Club can be found at www.mdyc.org.
