ANNUAL Rhode Island REGIONAL RENDEZVOUS

BIGGEST CLASS IN OFF SOUNDINGS !

Watch Hill & Block Island - Rhode Island
Block Island Sound

In a word . . .WOW !

52 boats had expressed some interest since last December. Almost 30 wrote or called to say they wanted to make it. 18 boats finally ended up registered. 17 of those 18 made it and several who did not register were also there!

Our class was made up as follows . . .

40 - 1 36 - 2 33 - 3 30 - 8 26 - 4 22 - 0

CARAMBA.40 from Portsmouth RI; GRAPPA.36 and SUNSHINE.36 from Greenport NY; GIMLET.II.33, TWILIGHT.33 and BLISS.30C from Noank CT; SEA.HERO.33 from Padanarum MA; BARBCAT.30C and CARYVE.26C from Branford CT; BEARCAT.30C and STRAY.CAT.30U from Old Saybrook CT; LAZYBONES.30C from East Greenwich RI; LUFF.AFFAIR.26C and MONTROSE.30C from New London CT; CHAOS.30U and SISU.26C from Essex CT; HALCYON.30U from Westbrook CT; and ELLEN.M.26C from Swansea MA were registered and showed up.

This represents 1 of 27 in the Buzzards, Cape, & Islands Fleet; 3 of 36 boats in the Narragansett Bay Fleet; and 14 of 47 in the East-Long Island Sound Fleet.

Al Perrins injured his ribs and thus BARBCAT.30C didn't make it. 3 other boats were Sail-Ins at Block Island.

Thursday was a perfect day for the boats headed for the start area in RI near the CT border in preparation to set off Friday morning. I drove down from Maine and joined ship after lunch with TWILIGHT 33 42 in Noank CT. I knew her from the late '80s when she used to belong to Lenny and Thelma Pepkowitz and up until nineteen years ago I sailed against her in Youngstown NY at annual Nonsuch events Lenny & Thelma hosted at the terrific Youngstown YC. Youngstown YC has been famous for decades now for the fabulous Youngstown Level Regatta. I also sailed againbst her in several World Rendezvous, last being Kingston '93. Lenny sold her several years ago and he passed away last October.

We shook out TWILIGHT that afternoon and saw a bunch of Nonsuches on Fisher Island Sound inbound for the next day's start. Also saw the Committee boat, the beautiful Daniel Hand motorsailing yacht NOR'EASTER owned by Henry Dupont IV, heading into Ram Island. Once ashore, I took the Committee a gift of Golden Goslings from all we Nonsuch sailors. My crew later joined Jack & Jenny Lombard and their crew for dinner at the Seahorse in Spicer's Marine Yard. Many boats overnighted nearby in the harbor of Stonington CT's.


Friday, June 8

Early Friday found 18 Nonsuches sailing around on Block Island Sound near shore, off Watch Hill RI. 100 other boats in the Off Soundings fleet were also out there. Lovely yachts on the water under a beautiful cloud flecked and sunny blue sky were offset by rapidly dying wind as the boats reported in to the Committee Boat and milled around the start area on a mill pond.

After a long postponement, the wind rose to and occasionally above 10 kts. Each class in turn got underway with Nonsuch fifth in order. The Committee set the course to the southwest corner of Block Island, then to north of the island, and from there to the finish off the entrance to Great Salt Pond. Too quickly the sunny day was gone and 100 ft/30 m visibility fog enveloped every boat in the fleet and the wind dropped.

When we were about 4 nm from the mark off the island . . . making well under 4 through the water while doing under .5 over the bottom toward the mark and with only one and a half hopeless hours until the 1630 hrs "must be finished" time . . . I decided to end what was already over aboard TWILIGHT 33. I started the engine and we lowered the sail to head in. Jack on BEARCAT 30C 82 checked in by 'phone to advise they were relaxing, listening to music from "The Big Chill", and were also much frustrated by making far too little progress toward the next mark, let alone the finish! There was yet another mark still to round and after that the last leg to the finish. All of that would be impossible in the limited time remaining to sail that day. I advised Jack that we were motoring and had dropped sail but were still making ship and thus had yet to radio the Committee Boat. Jack was already hailing the Committee before I could reach the VHF to also hail the Committee Boat. We were the first two yachts to retire and withdraw. Mere moments later a deluge of calls started to the Committee Boat commenced announcing ALL 120 boats in all classes retiring. I turned off the VHF because of this endless chatter. Not one boat was able to complete much of the course, let alone finish that day. The crews of over 100 boats later met at the Cocktail Tent beside The Oar and shared frustrations and new or renewed connections. All then went their way for dinner afloat or ashore with hopes of better sailing the next day. We hosted the Purser of Northeast Nonsuch and the East-Long Island Sound Fleet, Yve Larrieu of CARYVE.26C.81 with her crew for dinner aboard and some good gamming.


Saturday, June 9

A very damp and foggy night turned into a very misty morning. Most boats, but not all, headed out to the start off the entrance to New Harbor. Improved visibility outside and up to 15 kts of wind greeted the fleet. The eleven boats sailing that day in the Nonsuch class took their turn and were off for Nebraska Shoals well north of Block Island and then the return course to the finish right where the start had been outside New Harbor. The boat end of the start line was heavily favored and most boats were clustered there. Jack Lombard, BEARCAT.30C.82, was 'just over' early. Arrgh! Fritz Reilly, GRAPPA 36 31, powered out in clear air from near the other end of the line to weather of all the boats. She was soon the lead and weather boat. Bevan and Barb Crighton, MONTROSE 30U 301 , powered out from the middle of the line and were parallel to GRAPPA but down to leeward. We were astern and between the courses of these two boats . . . and clearly sailing slower. We three sailed ahead of the others toward the Nebraska buoy. We closed up a lot to GRAPPA and passed MONTROSE by avoiding two extra tacks that both those boats did in the now light and dropping wind. Rounding Nebraska was done in drifting conditions. A small front came in with thunder, lightening, good new wind, and . . . rain. Soon the very well sailed MONTROSE overhauled and passed us and was very slowly closing GRAPPA. Then, out of nowhere, back came BEARCAT . . . closing too fast on us all on the new stromger breeze filling from astern !


Off Soundings was thrilled to have the Nonsuch class! We were 1 out 8 boats of their fleet! We Nonsuch sailors enjoyed meeting each other, sailing, and socializing together plus being with all the other boats that participated. Before, during, and after the entire event . . . we were all very proud to so well represent our boats before all the other boats sailing in the fleet. Even the Old Port Launch crews were very impressed by this gathering of Nonsuch boats! Let's just say we were 'the talk' of the event.

All our registered boats started Friday except BARBCAT.30C.170 and SEA HERO.33.38. Sadly Friday's sailing was to no avail as not one boat in the entire fleet were able to finish due to low winds and adverse tide. It's always easy to second guess them and it's often a thankless job but the Committee just didn't get it right this time. Normally they do a fine job! That aside, being in the company of so many sailors before and after is always a pleasure!

Off Soundings Club (OSC) imposes penalties for finishing 1, 2, or 3 in previous OSC events. Jack Lombard, BEARCAT 30C 82, carried a 15% penalty and Loch Syme, SISU 26C 71, carried a 10% penalty into this event for their 1, 2 finishes against other boats in their class in the Fall 2006 OSC.


Spring 2007 - OSC Results:
http://offsoundings.org/pdffiles/2007/oscspring07results.pdf

Spring 2007 - R.I. Regional Rendezvous Results:
Without these penalties the results from Saturday's sailing with Elapsed Corrected Time

1 MONTROSE 30U 301 Bevan+Barb Crighton New London CT 3:25:09
2 BEARCAT 30C 82 Jack+Jenny Lombard Old Saybrook CT 3:26:58
3 SISU 26C 71 Loch Syme Essex CT 3:27:52
4 GRAPPA 36 31 Fritz Reilly Greenport NY 3:27:58
5 ELLEN M 26C 19 Al Donaghy Swansea MA 3:28:09
6 TWILIGHT 33 42 Jim Donkin Noank CT 3:31:25
7 CHAOS 30U 284 Arnold Grant Essex CT 3:36:20
8 STRAY CAT 30U 377 Dan Ferrier Old Saybrook CT 3:38:56
9 HALCYON 30C 199 Bob Cornell Westbrook CT 3:38:59
10 LUFF AFFAIR 26C 4 Jim Avery New London CT 3:45:02
11 BLISS 30C 197 Addison Marsh Noank CT DNF

12 BARBCAT 30C 170 Al Perrins Branford CT DNC
13 CARAMBA 40 3 Andrea+Barry Truit Portsmouth RI DNC
14 CARYVE 26C 81 Yve Larrieu+Cari Hechavarria Branford CT DNC
15 GIMLET II 33 14 Barbara+Ernie Melanson Noank CT DNC
16 LAZYBONES 30C 77 Bob Todd E Greenwich RI DNC
17 SEA HERO 33 38 Dan Harrington Padanarum MA DNC
18 SUNSHINE 36 55 Richard+Judy Raskin Greenport RI DNC


Typically GREAT and attractive trophies went to the top four boats as scored by OSC. We'll recognize and make awards to our Spring Regional Rendezvous winners and our Fall Regional Rendezvous winners at the Annual Winter Social, again likely in Mystic CT.

It was noted by that a handsome hirsuteness was a common attribute on the faces aboard many of the 'luckier' boats. I suspect a very fast bottom and fine sailing skills counted just a tad bit more. Jack's suggestion that I'm considering growing a beard is not, however, out of the question! lol I'll consult with Loch Syme and see what we think we both might be willing to do in the pursuit of personal glory. :) Perhaps lots of wet sanding would yield better results than growing lots of facial hair.

Speaking of our overall winner, Bevan & Barbara aboard MONTROSE 30U 301 scored about 36th out of 119 boats in conditions and on a sailing course not much to the liking of a Nonsuch. All our boats finished comfortably in the top half of the entire fleet. Not a bad show, not bad at all.

Longtime OSC member and participant Al Perrins broke a rib shortly before the event and BARBCAT.30C.170 stayed home. Dan Harrington's crew cancelled last minute and he showed up both days but SEA HERO 33 38 could not sail with us without at least two onboard (a reasonable and smart OSC rule). Sadly SUNSHINE 36 55 broke her alternator mount bracket Friday and had to remain at the dock for repairs on Saturday. Unpleasant morning weather, not the most charming forecast, and Friday's frustrations saw a few others choose to remain at the dock.

It was great that Jim Ward, SPACECAT 30C 127 of East Greenwich, sailed with Bob Todd aboard LAZYBONES 30C 77 and it was really nice to have Bob and Jim with us. It was absolutely terrific that Dan Harrington come . . . ALONE (!) . . . in his SEA HERO 33 38 from Padanaram ! Barry & Andrea were invaluable at our Decemeber 2, 2006 Social & Dinner in Mystic and it was wonderful that they sailed CARAMABA 40 22/4 with us.

The courtesies extended to Nonsuch sailors by Off Soundings Club from my first contacts to arrange our own class in Fall 2000, Jack& Jenny Lombard's similar effort in Spring 2002, and my recent contacts last fall and this winter . . . have been WONDERFUL. BTW, Nonscuhes sailing in OSC is really nothing new. Allen Ames organized large numbers of Nonsuch entries for Rendezvous within OSC events in the '80s. Sadly, like so much in so many places, subsequent leaders let these Rendezvous slip by the ways in the '90s.

Longtime OSC member Jack Lombard kindly accepted my request in the winter, to be the Nonsuch liaison with OSC for our 2007 Spring and Fall Regional Rendezvous. He and Jenny are a real team and we all benefited from BOTH of their terrific efforts this spring. Our Purser, Yve Larrieu of CARYVE 26C 81 also made a fantastic contribution to the success of this event. I invited these three to take a well deserved bow at our dinner and the crowd properly thanked and applauded them.

50+ attended our Steak / Lobster Rendezvous Dinner at good ol' Ballard's! This was mostly planned and arranged by Jenny Lombard with good help from Jack. Much good camaraderie and toasts ensued. The Wylie Cat 30 crew from West-Long Island Sound said they would like to join our party next time and will be invited ! They intend to also invite a wishbone boomed Freedom to sail in a class and then to party with us. :)

On a very sad note, Bob Todd brought us the news that we very recently lost Steve Smith of MAGGIE ALICE 30C 56 who died suddenly at home in Providence RI. We gave Steve a sailor's send-off toast. At dinner Saturday night and now we extend our condolences to Steve's widow Eileen, their families, and their many good friends. His ashes will be buried at sea from his beloved yacht. Please think about someone who could help Eileen by acquiring and giving MAGGIE ALICE 30C a good home as her plans are to not keep keep the boat. Contact Jim Ward SPACE CAT 30C 127 about Steve and about the boat as Jim and Sharon are particularly helping Eileen in this difficult time.


Now, if you attended on one of the boats and took photos . . . please e-mail them to me to include in the Gallery.

A Sail-In & Social is in the works for this August at the home club, Thames Yacht Club - New London CT, of the overall winner of our Spring Regional Rendezvous. Details will be distributed in the next few weeks.

Entries for our Fall CT & NY Regional Rendezvous in New London CT on September 14 & Greenport NY on September 15 must be received by mid-July (no exceptions!) so don't delay if you want to sail with us. So ask questions soon!

Two boats that wanted to sail this Spring and one 'maybe' were simply too late "getting around to it". $50 per boat and $10 per crew is the cost including 2 open bar cocktail parties after sailing . . . Friday and Saturday. We will again have a Nonsuch Social & Dinner on the Saturday night.

Last minute Sail-Ins are welcome to come and socialize with us but will not be able to sail with us or be scored each day. However, with 100+ other boats sailing there with us, space to dock in Greenport may be a real problem if you've not reserved early. Please e-mail me or Jack Lombard directly for details about our Fall Regional Rendezvous.

That's enough for now! I'm off to Toronto to try to finally get JUNO 30C 12 ransomed out of the RCYC Marine Yard (now well over a month late!) and to sail with THE WHITE CAT 30 3 this weekend in a competitive cruise to Youngstown NY and back. Then maybe HOPE & GLORY 33 16 on Monday.

Very soon we'll also have the brand new West-Lake Ontario Fleet (Golden Horseshoe Squadron and Greater Toronto Squadron) playing together afloat for our first event afloat as well as ashore.

All we are doing since last December is leading to next year . . . Nonsuch 30 1978-2008 one great event in two places: West-Lake Ontario and on East-Long Island Sound . . . the 'homes' of the birth and growth of Nonsuch in Canada and the U.S. These will be great fun for those who can't attend the week long World Rendezvous next summer on Narragansett Bay. I also hope to organize or encourage events elsewhere for our other Fleets

Respectfully,

Arthur

Arthur Langley
Northeast Nonsuch &
Great Lakes Nonsuch

June 14, 2007


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