July 2013

Almost without exception, we in the Northeast get the tail, shoulder or rump of one or two of the dozen or so hurricanes that form each summer in the Atlantic between the Caribbean. Most of us live on an island or along the mainland coast…and Hurricane season has just begun.

In 2008, Justin Coplan became one of the first recipients in the International Lightning Class Association’s Boat Grant Program. Today, Justin (pictured at left with teammates Danielle Pryor and Mike Carney) is a co-chair of this unique program, which gives enthusiastic young teams an opportunity to sail a race-ready boat in a very strong one-design class. “I started sailing an Opti when I was 10 years old in the junior program at the Nyack Boat Club in…

Bold beats and folk icons, hand-crafted delicacies and gorgeous produce, unexpected art installations and an old-school working waterfront are all part of Clearwater’s Great Hudson River Revival, also known as the Clearwater Festival. This year’s festival takes place June 15 & 16, uniting major musical figures and green activism and building a creative community in Croton Point Park in Croton-on-Hudson, NY, one of the most scenic spots on the Hudson River. Founded by musical activist Pete Seeger and…

This past winter I had the opportunity to serve as PRO [Principal Race Officer] several times for frostbiting at American Yacht Club, Rye, NY. What makes frostbiting the most fun is the simplicity of it. There is no Notice of Race, nor is there a six-page set of sailing instructions written by a lawyer. Results are not prepared by an online scoring system, and there isn’t a code flag to be seen.

The variety of cruising destinations in this issue, which also has an article with great tips for making a passage to Maine, will allow for a memorable boating experience whether you’re a novice or a pro, and whether you have a week to spend aboard your own boat or a few hours at a school or sailing center.

The Billionaire and the Mechanic is compelling from the very first page, as author Julian Guthrie tells the story of Larry Ellison’s harrowing experience during the 1998 Sydney Hobart Yacht Race in which five boats sank and six sailors died.

Ride the new wave of trimaran sailing!

Enjoy the best of the Chesapeake Bay, a journey to remember!