The 2024 Ted Hood Regatta saw an impressive turnout, with 37 boats competing across six classes. Among them were 10 Star Class boats racing in their District #1 New England Championship. The other classes included ORRez, PHRF Spinnaker, PHRF Jib & Main, J/105, and J/70. Despite the excitement, the sailors faced challenging conditions as Marblehead continued its streak of light winds, a pattern that has persisted for the past six weeks.
Day 1: Light Winds and Limited Racing
The first day of racing featured the ORRez, PHRF, Stars, and J/105 fleets. With winds barely reaching 5-10 knots, the race committee (RC) worked through an AP (postponement) before managing to squeeze in just one race. The light winds tested the patience and skill of the sailors, but everyone was eager for better conditions in the days to come.
Day 2: Ideal Conditions and Tight Competition
Saturday brought relief as all fleets took to the water in more favorable winds of 10-18 knots. The RCs took full advantage of the improved conditions, successfully completing three races across all circles. This provided plenty of action on the water and set the stage for some tight competition heading into the final day.
By the end of Day 2, the ORRez fleet saw two boats tied for first place, while the J/105 fleet leader, No Quarter, held a narrow lead with 12 points. The PHRF Spinnaker fleet was led by Jud Smith on Africa-B Squad, a 1984 Concordia Farr 44', with six points, though 2nd-4th place boats were within just two points of each other. David Conlon's Victorine, a 2007 Columbia 32' from Grasonville, MD, was a notable competitor in this fleet.
The PHRF JAM class enjoyed a trapezoid course that enhanced competitive sailing. Linda Hosking's Ares, a C&C 40, led with five points, followed by Goldeneye with eight points.
The J/70 fleet, though small with just three boats, was allowed to race despite not meeting the usual class size requirement. The event organizers felt it was important to encourage participation, even in smaller fleets.
In the Star Class, Stephen Braverman's Shifts Happen! dominated Saturday's races with three straight victories. Josh Phypers' More Pressure! trailed in second place with 15 points.
Day 3: Uncooperative Winds and Final Standings
Sunday's forecast promised winds of 10-18 knots, but the reality was far different. The fleet ventured out to their respective circles, only to be met with flat, calm waters and no wind. Despite the RC's best efforts to get at least one race in, the wind refused to cooperate. The J/105 and J/70 fleets managed to complete a single race with a short .5-mile beat, but for the Star Class, ORRez, and PHRF fleets, racing was ultimately abandoned.
As a result, the standings after Saturday's races became the final results for the regatta.
Celebration and Awards
Despite the disappointing final day, the Eastern Yacht Club (EYC) quickly adapted, hosting the awards ceremony under their tent. Sailors enjoyed food, beverages, and live music on both Friday and Saturday nights, with Happy Hour offerings from Rumson Rum, Fishers Island Lemonade, and Sextant Wines.
Luke Buxton, the Star District President, presented the Star Champions' awards, adding a touch of history by sharing insights into the long-standing tradition of the Star Class, one of the oldest continuous racing classes in the world.
Acknowledging Our Sponsors
The success of the Ted Hood Regatta would not have been possible without the support of our sponsors. We were pleased to welcome several new sponsors this year, alongside our returning supporters. A special thank you to:
- Living Swell Interiors
- Rumson Rum
- RibCraft NEW
- Doyle Sailmakers NEW
- IHG Hotels NEW
- Trident Marine Managers
- Thomas Technology
- Sudbury Products
- Sextant Wines NEW
- Fishers Island Lemonade NEW
- VinylGraphics
- Marblehead Boat Yard Associates
- Zurn Yacht Design
We look forward to welcoming everyone back for another exciting edition of the Ted Hood Regatta in 2025!