Green light for Conanicut Island race

In a summer of social distancing, the Conanicut Yacht Club (Jamestown, RI) Around-the-Island Race on September 6 remains on the schedule for the 93rd edition. Held annually on the Sunday of Labor Day Weekend, it may look a little different this year but still seeks to honor the Narragansett Bay summer sailing season winding down.

Typically attracting around one hundred boats, competitors start at 11 am in separated divisions then circumnavigate the 18-mile course around Conanicut Island. Usually, this is followed by the popular post-race party and awards ceremony at the Club, however, COVID-19 prevention has removed that part of the day’s activities.

“We are proud and grateful for how flexible and patient the sailing community has been this summer,” says race chairman, Alan Baines. “We delayed opening registration until we knew more about how we could operate safely for everyone and of course, decided to not host a post-racing party. However, as regulations are always changing, we do ask for your continued cooperation. So please keep an eye out for any late special instructions or changes over the coming weeks.”

Despite the cancellations or modifications of other local regattas, many race boats have still been sailing as much as possible. Some events have even seen an increase in entries. Sailors adapted to the ‘new normal’ by following the safety recommendations from the State by limiting crew or just sailing with family. Face masks or buffs have become a part of the sailors’ gear bag as much as the lifejacket, hat, and sunglasses.

For race information, click here.

Source: Kate Wilson Somers