Master of The Corinthians Lisa Jewett congratulating Julian Bigden on his reelection as Annapolis Fleet Captain
On Sunday, December 7, 2014, over 80 Corinthians and guests attended the traditional combined ‘EggNog’ Holiday Party and Annapolis Fleet Annual Meeting at the Kent Island Yacht Club. After cocktails and a splendid brunch Julian Bigden was re-elected as Annapolis Fleet Captain for 2015. The event was organized by Past Fleet Captain John Pasley and Corinthian Club Manager, Linda Pasley. Several Corinthian fleets were represented at the event and Master of The Corinthian Afterguard, Lisa Jewett, and her husband travelled down from New York to attend. The Paul Marcoux Award, for exceptional contribution to the Annapolis Fleet, was presented by Past Fleet Captain Mary West to Fleet Member Mike Upton.
THREE COLONIES TAKE ON THE BRITS - ONE MORE TIME
On Thursday, August 14, 2014, the final day of the 2014 Corinthian Annual Cruise, 33 Corinthians and 10 Little Ship Club members took advantage of the opportunity to race three historic former America's Cup 12 meter yachts.
Intrepid, a Sparkman & Stephens design, was the only three time defender of the America's Cup having won in 1967 and 1970. Intrepid came within one race of defeating Ted Hood on Courageous for the right to become the only three-time defender.
Heritage was the last American wooden 12 meter America's Cup yacht, designed and raced by Charley Morgan of St. Petersburg. A change in the rules concerning construction materials ended any hope of Heritage being competitive in subsequent America's Cup races. Heritage, after a re-design went on to race again, twice winning the Chicago-Mackinac race. Heritage returned to Newport in the 1990's and was re-rigged with a 12 meter mast.
Weatherly, a Philip L. Rhodes design, was built in 1958 by Luders Marine Construction in Stamford, CT. Weatherly completed America's Cup defender trials that year and was modified for the 1962 Cup races. She was raced by Emil "Bus" Mosbaucher, Jr. to victory over Gretel, the first Australian America's Cup Challenger. In 2012, Weatherly was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. (Descriptions of the three yachts provided by New England fleet member and Captain of Weatherly, Duncan Todd)
By winning the toss of a coin, famed British racer and Little Ship Club member Barry Martin, elected to race Weatherly with a nearly all Little Ship Club crew.
The day was spectacularly sunny as crew members boarded their assigned boats. At the docks, excitement at what was to come was palpable. All now aboard, the 12 meters motored away from the dock and sails were hoisted. Out into Newport Harbor they went. At first there was hardly any breeze, but it filled in nicely as the boats approached the racing area.
The paid skippers assigned tasks and explained how to use the "grinders" - not as easy as it looked. Though geared, these large bicycle pedal like things proved to separate the less hearty from the hearty. The 12m's all carried a modest sail plan - no "deck sweeper" headsails - don't want to loose any paying customers during a tack. For our "over 40" crowd the large drum winches that are mounted on the deck made most wish they had seriously done some stretching ahead of time. Lots of bending and getting up and down etc. These were no problem for the excellent (and in shape) paid crew members.
So the mid day consisted of three races and each of the three boats served once as the "rabbit" or start boat. Each race encompassed fixed marks and finish line. The courses challenged each team with the varying winds, the currents and of course actually finding those tiny orange buoys that needed to be rounded.
The races began and were quite competitive and fun. The Captains encouraged the crews to race the boats and to take an active part in each race. Many did. Members of the crews were really into the races and could be heard saying things like, we need more backstay, tail that sheet, let out the main. All crews gave it their best, but when all three races were complete it was Intrepid and her crew that took all three races. It was a terrific time and everyone aboard had an opportunity to work and race the yachts. At the end of each race there was also ample time to "free sail" for a bit.
Denise Gill, The Corinthians Annapolis Fleet
