Mt Gay Rum Around Jamestown Record Falls

by Hugh Piggin on 25 Oct 2013 Four boats attempted the Mount Gay Rum Around Jamestown Record. Records fell across the board in all categories with boats concurrently breaking the Under 32’ and Monohull records, as well as the Multihull and Outright record.

The first record of the day fell to Billy MacGowan onboard MacX who lowered the under 32’ record from 2hr 17min 36sec to 2hrs 10min 42 sec. Then just 21 minutes later Alex Wadson onboard Manic, the Shaw 6.50, crossed the finish line in a time of 2hr 00min 29sec to stake his claim on the under 32’ division and monohull division.

Outright Record Falls – Jerry Kirby and his crew of Ken Read, Kimo Worthington, Mark Kroening and Chris Fortin, aboard their 32’ catamaran Ultimate Pressure, took advantage of the strengthening afternoon breeze that had shifted into the west to shave 5 minutes 18 seconds off the outright Mt Gay Rum Around Jamestown Record crossing the finish line in a time of 1hr 07min 59sec.

There is still time to try to break the new outright record and also secure one of the other divisional records: monohull and all sailing craft under 32 feet. If by October 31st, no other team in any division bests Ultimate Pressure’s outright record time, they will secure the outright record for the Mount Gay Rum Around Jamestown Record.

The Around Jamestown Record presented by Mount Gay Rum in association with Café Zelda and IYAC is a perpetual all out record for sailing around Conanicut Island (also known as Jamestown) in lower Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island.

Similar to other outright speed records, contenders will decide when to make a record attempt and also the direction in which they will sail around Jamestown. This means contenders can choose the most advantageous weather conditions and tidal flow in which to attempt the record.

Three categories of sailing boats will be recognized to vie for divisional honors with the overall perpetual trophy going to the boat with the outright fastest time. The entry fee is $100.00 per attempt for any vessel over 20’, vessels 20’ and under the fee is $50. A portion of each entry fee will support Sail Newport.

The divisions recognized are:
- Outright Monohull keel boat
- Outright Multihull boats greater than 20 feet
- All other sailing craft under 32 feet

The record will be open until October 31st, 2013 during the hours of daylight. The yacht that wins the 2013 or outright record will be awarded Mount Gay Rum equal to the Skipper’s weight at the season ending awards party held at IYAC in Newport, RI.