The 2011 Shipyard Cup ended with an exciting race in light air, as Whisper is the overall winner leaving hometown favourite Scheherazade to take the second day of racing.
The 9th Annual Regatta, staged in Boothbay Harbor, Maine hosted by Hodgdon Yachts welcomed over 250 big boat racing sailors and their guests at the opening event of Shipyard Cup IX.
In the relaxed Maine style the Shipyard Cup the final line-up included:
- Virago
- Isobel
- Christopher
- Whitehawk
- Tenacious
- Whisper
- Sumurun
- and Scheherazade.
Under a beautiful Maine sky and fair breezes the Shipard Cup fleet saw day one produce a great day of sailing. After a one hour delay to let the breeze build to a pleasant 10-15kts, the staggered start spread the fleet out over 52 minutes.
The next day when the Sunday breeze built to a solid 8-10kts, first gun at 1300 gave the start to the second and final day of Shipyard Cup racing. The staggered start saw some early strategy as Isobel followed by Whisper then Virago diverted from the track of the earlier starters in the hopes of finding a lift from the southern tip of Southport Island en route to the first turning mark.
By the time the fleet was headed for home the low cloud ceiling was reducing visibility and the air became very light. The first to emerge from the fog was Scheherazade who led the fleet most of the way to top the honours on the second day.
Hodgdon Yachts President, Tim Hodgdon added: “This year’s Shipyard Cup was another fantastic event with an impressive fleet of world class sailing yachts.”
Race Organisers announced next year’s Shipyard Cup is scheduled for 10-12 August 2012.