The 2021 Ted Hood Regatta scheduled for August 20-22, 2021, was able to race two of the three days in Marblehead, Mass. last weekend. Sunday’s races were canceled in advance of the event due to the forecast of Hurricane Henri’s New England track. 

Host club Eastern Yacht Club had to go into storm prep mode and make decisions about the timing of the breaking down of their waterfront in the days leading to the storm and we are very appreciative that the EYC Storm Committee included Storm Trysail Club and the OA in the and their desire to have the Ted Hood Regatta regatta sailed in some capacity.  

Photo: Phil Smith

Therefore, the decision was made to sail the regatta just Friday & Saturday.  Unfortunately, though, racing was fully abandoned for thirteen J/70 competitors due to the club’s need for the crane for storm preparations and complicated further by the timing of low tide in Marblehead during the weekend – which J/70s cannot haul out in. 

The racing that did go on Friday & Saturday featured seven J/105’s, and sixteens ORRez & PHRF boats sailing windward-leeward courses.  The wind was light for both days and required AP for both lines until the wind could fill in.  The breeze did show up in the afternoon on Friday with the J/105 line getting three races in, and just one race for the handicap boats.

The warning signal for Saturday racing was amended to be 30 minutes earlier in hopes of getting in as many races prior to 2:00 PM’s stop time.  However, the wind gods did not see fit to support our decision.  AP was hoisted and the drift was on.  At 1300 hrs. a steady light breeze filled in and the RC at each line was able to start a race.  Unfortunately, it was the only race of the day.  

Also part of the Ted Hood Regatta is a Friday overnight distance race.  Eight boats  – six doublehanded and two fully crewed – started the 51-mile course around Government marks.  The winds were light, but the race started at 1630 hrs.  The SI’s stated that the first boat had to finish by 1200hrs the next day to make it a race.  Luckily, we had a race.  Two boats retired and the other six finished the course.

The Ocean Race results for Double handed.

  1. Hafa Adai
  2. EOS
  3. Yankee Girl

Fully Crewed

  1. Valiant

The Overall results for Handicap racing.

Despite the challenging sailing, the Tent social went off without a hitch.  Eastern YC and its staff stepped up a delivered two great afternoons under the tent.  Our sponsors Rumson’s Rum, East Regiment Beer Company, and Regatta Craft Mixers made sure that racers and guests were kept in great spirits with the support of the Nick Consone Band.

A big thank you to all our Sponsors, without them we cannot have this regatta.

Full Results

Race Photos