The 2020 Long Island Sound Championships presented by the Storm Trysail Club and the Riverside Yacht Club were held this past weekend, September 19 and 20th. Forty-one local boats and race committee volunteers from the two clubs came out for the annual event culminating in three races over the two days. 

Saturday started in light and flukey conditions with just one race for the six divisions. Sunday followed with much breezier and brisker easterly winds resulting in two races for the PHRF, J/105 and Etchells fleets and a longer distance race for the sixteen Navigator class boats.

At the top of the podium for the Navigator class was STC and RYC Member, Ty Anderson with his Farr 395, Skye. Sailing with just four crew as part of the short-handed Plus-1 rule, Anderson said: “Everyone on board had a great time. There was a little bit of everything wind-wise but bright sunshine and crisp fall temps were consistent. Turnout was doubled from last year and the only thing the racing missed was the fabulous lawn parties Riverside is known for.” 

Despite the lack of socials, the renowned RYC hospitality was not gone, points out Anderson: “We welcomed the Etchells fleet to the docks this year and were delighted to host them.” Six Etchells battled through the tough conditions with Don Dowd and Tar & Feathered finishing at the top of the fleet.

“Collaboration and camaraderie has always been at the heart of this event,” says another STC/RYC Member and Race Organizer, Andreé Pruett. “The two clubs share the same devotion to fair and competitive racing combined with excellent on-shore parties.”

The fun was not exclusively for the sailors. The Race Committee surprised fellow member and former STC Commodore Nick Langone on Sunday for his 80th birthday. The crew donned him with a crown and happy birthday cheers were sung among the volunteers. 

PRO Ray Redniss adds that it was also great to welcome the sailors from nearby US Merchant Marine Academy. “Last week we had to cancel our annual Intercollegiate Offshore Regatta due to the travel restrictions put on many college teams, so it is great to see young sailors still joining local events like the LIS Champs.”

“The most fun part about the weekend was strategizing the next leg. Whenever there was a big shift and we had to change plans, it really tested us,” said Midshipman Jack Stancil who sailed on the J/44 Vamp with his fellow classmates. The school fielded four teams sailing also on a J/88, J/111, and a Figaro2.

“Despite really challenging wind conditions, the racing was great - and we are really hoping we can have face to face parties in 2021!” concluded Pruett. 

“What a great gathering of friends with talent,” added Redniss “I thank them all for coming out!”

Full story and results on: https://stormtrysail.org/regattas/long-island-sound-championships/

More photos from Rick Bannerot can be found on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/StormTrysailClub/photos