The perfect combo for Edgartown Race Weekend

Edgartown, MA (May 6, 2016) – In 1602, Bartholomew Gosnold, a British fisherman, discovered an island seven miles off the coast of Cape Cod and named it Martha’s Vineyard after his first-born daughter and the thick vegetation there. More than four centuries later, the island’s name is the same and Gosnold would be proud. A good third of its 96 squares miles of lush greenery, stunning clay cliffs (carved by glaciers millions of years ago) and pristine beaches are protected from development, and its 124.6 miles of shoreline connect six charming small towns that preserve a strong whaling heritage while nurturing fishing and sailing as critical components of a thriving tourism industry.

Every year in July, Edgartown Yacht Club makes its own unique contribution to the maritime traditions of Martha’s Vineyard by perpetuating its historic ’Round-the-Island Race (’RTI) that has been repeated here annually since 1938 and growing its more recently inaugurated ’Round-the-Buoy Races (’RTB). Together, the events comprise three full days of sailing action: this year, ’RTB is Thursday and Friday, July 28-29, with the 79th edition of ’RTI following on Saturday, July 30.

“Both parts of the racing are appealing,” said Event Chair and Immediate Past Commodore Clare Harrington. “The 56-mile ’Round-the-Island Race is a longstanding tradition and unique in so many ways, and the ’Round-the-Buoy Races were added in 2012 to provide a just-right combination of competition for dozens of teams competing.”

Harrington explained that while top sailors participate, the event is at the same time family-friendly. “We host an entire spectrum of boats, from high-level racing machines to cruising yachts that grill hot dogs while going around the island,” she said. “Edgartown Yacht Club does a remarkable job of hosting in terms of onshore support and activity at the club, including Friday’s Mount Gay ‘Jump Up’ Party. It’s very friendly and engaging, so sailors feel like they are in a small community rather than a club environment.”

Edgartown Yacht Club’s Edgartown Race Weekend provides competitive racing for boats 28 feet and longer in divisions for IRC (without the requirement of endorsed certificates), ORC, CRF, and PHRF-NE. Specific classes for Double-Handed, One Design, and Classic yachts are added when at least three entries are entered for each discipline. Notices of Race for both ’RTB and ’RTI events have been posted at http://bit.ly/1cpTPc4 and deadline for entry is July 27 for the ’RTB and July 29 for the ’RTI. No registration fee is required for the ’RTB. The ’Round-the-Island Race, scored separately, also is part of the New England Lighthouse Series for PHRF yachts.

Edgartown Yacht Club Race Weekend Quicklinks:
Event website
Facebook Page
Race Reports

Report by Event Media