By Tricia Walsh
Spike Lobdell’s Hinckley Sou’wester Legacy (sail #42036) and Michael Wiseman’s Alden 54 ketch Legacy V (#60247) are longtime participants in the Red Lobdell Regatta.
Stonington Harbor Yacht Club in Stonington, CT hosted the 18th Annual Red Lobdell Regatta on Saturday, July 27. Twenty-eight boats competed across six classes on a beautiful day with an SSE wind at 5-7 knots. There were three racing circles: Big Boats raced around Fishers Island (an Eastern Connecticut Sailing Association points race), Medium Boats (which included the Watch Hill 15s) raced outside the outer breakwater, and Small Boats competed inside Stonington Harbor. The race was organized by a committee consisting of Kevin Bowdler, Tom O’Connell and Spike Lobdell. Principal Race Officers were Sarah Starkweather, Wayne Buchanan and Joe Williams. After the race, competitors joined friends at the SHYC clubhouse for a traditional pig roast. “This event continues to grow,” said SHYC Commodore Joe Williams. “A great time was had by all on and off the water. We look forward to next year.”
This annual event is celebrated in memory of Francis Lobdell, an avid sailor who loved cruising the waters from New Jersey to Maine and was called “Red” by nearly everyone (thanks to his red hair). Spike Lobdell dedicated this race to his father after he passed away in 2002, as SHYC was being formed. The regatta continues to memorialize Red’s love for the sport and for sailing in Stonington waters. It is the oldest, standing, perpetual trophy at SHYC. “It is a wonderful way to honor my father,” said Spike Lobdell. “Thanks to all that participated and a special congratulations to the winners.”
SHYC is extremely grateful to our generous sponsors who support this event, including Dime Bank, Dodson’s Boatyard, Don’s Dock, Mystic Shipyard and Hoyt, Filippetti & Malaghan, LLC. Race results are as follows:
Sunfish
1st Place: Kim Waller
2nd Place: Ian Cooke
3rd Place: Oliver Cooke
RS Aeros
1st Place: Marc Jacobi
2nd Place: Madhanan Thirumalai
3rd Place: Eric Aker
Ideal 18s
1st Place: Woody and Charlie Bergendahl
2nd Place: Tim Desmond
3rd Place: Tucker Bragdon
Watch Hill 15s
1st Place: Stephen Schwartz
2nd Place: Dwight Ellis
3rd Place: Bruce Avery
4th Place (tie): George Nicholas and Bob Audette
PHRF Spinnaker
1st Place: Tom O’Connell – Finale, Beneteau 36.7
2nd Place: Michael Wiseman – Legacy V, Alden 54 ketch
PHRF Cruising Canvas
1st Place: Barnaby Blatch – Cloud Racer, Sirena 38
2nd Place: Spike Lobdell – Legacy, Hinckley Sou’wester 42
Note: Optimists and Shields were scheduled to compete at a later date.
Stonington Harbor Yacht Club is open year-round and offers a variety of activities both on and off the water, including educational programs, arts and entertainment nights, family fun and fine dining. We are proud to welcome new members and showcase the club’s many offerings. Subject to weather conditions, the public is invited to sail Saturday mornings from 10 am to 12 noon, with a Stonington Harbor Yacht Club member on an Ideal 18. Please make reservations through the front desk at (860) 535-0112. Individuals may bring a guest and participation is limited to two outings per individual. The cost is $25 per person. To learn more, please visit shyc.us. ■
Tricia Walsh is Stonington Harbor Yacht Club’s Marketing &
Communications Coordinator.
