Honor legend Ted Hood by racing in Marblehead this August

Ted Hood Regatta © Phillip Smith

Have you ever done a "dip-pole jibe"? Have you ever hoisted a jib in a "head-foil"? What about a roller-furler? Ted Hood was the person behind all of these innovations and he revolutionized the sail-making industry with new materials, designs, and weaving technology over decades. His yacht designs won every major ocean race, and his creativity helped advance nearly every aspect of our sport. As a sailor, Ted won nearly every trophy from the SORC to The America's Cup.

Then eight years ago, the Storm Trysail Club's Marblehead Station decided to celebrate one of Marblehead's favorite sons, and one of our sport's true legends by naming a regatta in his honor. After the tremendous success of the inaugural 2017 event, the "Hood Regatta" has been on its way to becoming an East Coast Classic, despite even a Hurricane and a Pandemic since its inception, by offering a variety of sailing options for competitors. From one design to PHRF/ORR-EZ bouy racing and even an overnight race, there is something for every type of sailor during the weekend of August 18-20.

Registration is now open to all boats with a valid PHRF New England or ORRez Certificate, J70, J105, and Viper 640 Class boats on YachtScoring. Early bird registration ends July 31st so be sure to sign up to save and help Race Organizers plan.

There are three days of racing around buoys and an overnight distance race starting Friday evening for those teams wishing to participate in an extra challenge. Daily awards and social events will be held at Eastern Yacht Club throughout the weekend.

The Race Committee intends to sail as many races as practical throughout the event - so come ready to sail, race, and have some fun to honor a legend in our sport from our hometown.