American Yacht Club Fall Series - Gorgeous opener

2021 American Yacht Club Fall Regatta © American Yacht Club

The 31st Annual American Yacht Club Fall Regatta, virtually a J/Fest regatta for passionate J/Sailors, began with an afternoon of racing in light wind, followed by a reunion of sailors and old friends reconnecting after not seeing one another since 2019.

Given the option to choose between 1055 or 1255 for the First Warning signal, the Race Committee opted for the later start time based on the forecast and made the announcement the night before racing. This allowed competitors more time to spend time with their families, prepare for racing, or simply relax on Saturday morning.

On Day 1, the South Course was able to complete one race and the East Course completed two. Sunday had consistently favorable winds at 15 knots with great conditions for sailing, making up for Saturday's lighter breeze.

J/44 Class

At the close of Day 1, AYC past Commodore William Ketcham on MAXINE (AYC) held the lead for One-Design J/44 racing with two bullets, an impressive four points better than all other boats in this division on the East Course. MAXINE was able to maintain their lead through Day 2 with almost all bullets. Commodore Thomas Blackwell on BREAKAWAY (AYC) gained ground between Day 1 and Day 2 and is now at second place in this division.

J/109 Class

In the eight-boat J/109 class, it was a familiar team at the top of the leaderboard, with John Greifzu's GROWTH SPURT leading by one point over Trevor Roach's INCENDIARY. Sitting in third just four points back is Jon Rechtschaffer's EMOTICON.

J/105 Class

Not surprisingly, the eight-boat J/105 class was Paul Beaudin's LOU LOU sported triple-bullets to be leading class by five points. Sitting in second is Max Kalehoff's LAURA BEA and in third is Frank Latawiec's ATARAXIS.

J/88 Class

Justin Scagnelli and Tim Price on ALBONDIGAS (HYC) and Lawrence Cutler and Andrew Weiss on ONE TOO MAY (STC) lead the J/88 class on the South Course, currently tied at 9 points.

J/70 Class

After four races, it's Jean Marc Papin's PEN SEGAL winning class, followed by Gibbons Sinclair HALF MINE II in second and Ben Hunt's NEKA in third.

PHRF I Division

The coastal racing classes had plenty of fun taking a tour of western Long Island Sound in such gorgeous conditions. Leading is Bill Ingraham's J/124 TENEBRAE with two bullets. They're leading a potential podium, if not a top five sweep of the division. Second is Len Sitar's J/160 COUGAR, third is Ron Richman's J/133 ANTIDOTE, fourth Ove Haxthausen's J/133 RUMBA, and sixth Kevin Kelley's J/122 SUMMER GRACE.

PHRF II Division

Similarly, in the PHRF II division the J/Teams are poised to lead a sweep of the podium. Currently, Todd Aven's J/99 THIN MAN is just one point off the lead and Jason Viseltear's J/80 UPSETTER sits in third just two points in arrears.

With all of these close results so far, more racing over Weekend 2 is highly anticipated. Saturday's weather ended up being perfect for AYC to host the post-race Rocking Regatta party on the flagpole lawn. Everyone enjoyed a musical performance by local band Cover Story, lawn games, complimentary beer donated by Doyle Sails and Carpentry Classics, Craft Beer Tastings offering the first two contenders for the AYC Ale Vote, and the AYC x Chandon Garden Spritz Bar & Lounge. Post-race gatherings will be held after each day of racing at the Fall Regatta, ensuring plenty of socializing and fun for competitors and spectators alike.

Everyone enjoyed the long-awaited return to post-race parties at AYC after the 2020 hiatus in such a relaxed and welcoming manner. Next week's post-race gatherings will include a complimentary tasting from TUCK Gin based in Saugatuck as well as the awards ceremony.

More information here