2015 Around Jamestown Record preview

by Julianna Barbieri on 20 May 2015 Manuka Sports Event Management is pleased to announce the 2015 Around Jamestown Record will be open from May 25 through October 31st. In addition, Mount Gay Rum will return as the presenting sponsor offering any team who sets a new outright record the skipper’s weight in Mount Gay Rum. New for 2015, event organizers have created five award categories to be presented annually: Monohull 32’ and over, Monohull below 32’, Multihull 32’ and over, Multihull below 32’, Kiteboards and All Foiling Craft.

The outright record and time to beat was set October 26, 2014 by the GC 32, Argo, skippered by Jason Carroll. The team sailed around Jamestown with an elapsed time of 58 minutes and 31 seconds.

Record Director, Hugh Piggin, “We are continually amazed at the speeds achieved from the teams attempting the Around Jamestown Record. Just when we think the time can’t get any faster, a new team, a new boat gets out there and slashes minutes off the outright record. However, we also recognize there are a lot of local sailors who love this course and want to set a record for their division and so we are excited to offer five different divisions in which to set a record.

In addition, when we approached Mount Gay four years ago about a crazy idea to award a skipper his or her weight in rum we were met with great enthusiasm. That enthusiasm has continued and we are delighted to have Rhode Island Distributing and Mount Gay Rum returning as the presenting sponsor for the Around Jamestown Record.”

Rhode Island Distributing General Manager, Joe Morenzi, “Mount Gay Rum and Rhode Island Distributing have enjoyed working with event organizers the past three years and we look forward to continuing our support for all those involved with the Record this year.”

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.

Five 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 $150.00 per attempt for any vessel 32’ and over, vessels under 32’ the fee is $70.00. A portion of each entry fee will support Sail Newport.

The annual divisions recognized are:
• Monohull 32’ and Above – 2014: 72’ mini-maxi, Bella Mente 01:19:35
• Monohull below 32’ – 2013: Shaw 6.50, Manic, 2:00:29
• Multihull 32’ and Above - 2014: GC 32, Argo, 00:58:31
• Multihull below 32’ – 2014: F31, Bazinga!, 01:33:53
• Kiteboards and All Foiling Craft – 2014: Foiling Kiteboard, Cash & Burn 01:03:38

The 2015 record is open from Memorial Day, May 25th until Halloween, October 31st during the hours of daylight. The yacht that wins the 2015 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 on Saturday, November 7th at 7pm.