By Diana Tyler
Shennecossett Yacht Club of Groton, CT will again be sponsoring their annual unique regatta on Saturday, August 4, 2018. The SYC Lighthouse Regatta is an Eastern Connecticut Sailing Association (ECSA) sanctioned race. With enough interest, the addition of a “fun” class on a separate course is planned, with PHRF numbers assigned by the race committee.
Weather permitting, the plan is to have yachts sent on a 15-mile race up and down Fishers Island Sound. This course encircles three lighthouses with views of several more, making for an exciting navigator’s race. SYC will donate any profits to the New London Maritime Society’s Lighthouse Fund. The society is a group dedicated to the education and preservation of local lighthouses. An illustrated brochure with information about all nine Fishers Island Sound lighthouses will be given to all entrants.
George Bates’ Ensign Bonanza approaches Latimer Reef Light in a recent SYC Lighthouse Regatta.
In addition to trophies for the top finishers in each class, the Bruce Lockwood Cup, a perpetual trophy, will be awarded to the top finisher in the sanctioned racing spinnaker class based on corrected time. The late Bruce Lockwood is known to many Long Island Sound sailors for his success on the racing circuit for decades in a series of boats, all named Arrow.
Be sure to mark your calendars to join this unique regatta followed by a great party at the SYC clubhouse featuring Dark ‘n Stormy drinks and a buffet dinner including seafood. Entries close Thursday, August 2. Interested sailors may contact Gene Fiese, Race Committee Chairman, at fiese@sbcglobal.net. Race entry forms and information can be found in the ECSA yearbook. Information is also available at the SYC website, syc-ct.com. Click on the “Yachting” tab to find the Lighthouse Regatta page.
