The DownEast Challenge - July 25-26
Great competition! The DownEast Challenge is a 130 nautical mile offshore race from Marblehead MA to Rockland ME with racing and cruising divisions as well as single-handed, double-handed and fully crewed categories. The race is a qualifier for the Bermuda One-Two Yacht Race. Marblehead Yacht Club, MA, and RYC are co-hosts for the event. This event will be governed by the USSA Racing Rules of Sailing and current US Sailing Association rules and sailing instructions. Autopilots and/or wind assisted self-steering devices are allowed. Preliminary sailing instructions and entry form will be available online at www.marbleheadyc.org.
Eligibility: The race is open to all boats of 25 ft or more and 6.5 meter mini Transat boats with a valid PHRF handicap certificate. Yachts without a valid handicap that wish to race will be assigned an uncontestable handicap by the race organizers based on similar boat types. Entrants must have the equipment for a Category 3 race and sign a release form. Single-handed racers must submit evidence of non-stop single-handed passage of at least 50 nm. The event organizers reserve the right to reject entries at their discretion. Vessels shall comply with ISAF Special Regulations for Category 3 subject to the following modifications: entrants are strongly encouraged to comply with regulation 4.20, but may at their own discretion instead carry an inflatable or rigid dingy that can accommodate all crew members and that can be readily deployed in case of emergency.
Visiting Racers: Boats for the race will be moored free of charge at the Marblehead Yacht Club. Prizes will be awarded for 1st and 2nd in fleets up to 5 and 3rd for 6 or more boats.
Classes: Divisions are offered for fully crewed cruising (non spinnaker) and single- and double-handed racing and fully crewed racing (spinnakers). Classes within these divisions will be established following the deadline for the close of entries. A minimum of four boats of a type will be required to establish a class; otherwise, boats will be grouped with another class.
Skipper's Meeting: Mandatory skipper’s meeting for all skippers or their designated representative at 1800 hrs at the Marblehead Yacht Club on Friday before race day. Final sailing instructions listing navigation aids that must be respected and a scratch sheet will be provided at that time. Bring along your crews (free beer and hors doerves!).
The Course: The start will be in the vicinity of mark C1 at the mouth of Marblehead Harbor. The following marks must be taken to port:
- Londoner day marker (East of Thatcher Island)
- G5 TB bell (Two Bush Channel)
- C9 (northeast of Andrews Island)
- G11 bell (east of Monroe Island)
The finish will be between can #1 and the Rockland Harbor Breakwater lighthouse. Time limit for cruising boats will be 1600 hrs unless extended at the race committee’s discretion.
The Starting Time: First gun will be at 1000 hrs. Saturday
Registration:
Entry Fee: $75.00 payable to 2007 DOWNEAST CHALLENGE MYC (Deduct $10 if you include a copy of your current US Sailing membership card.) Click here for the Entry Form. Checks and entry forms should be mailed to the Marblehead Yacht Club, 4 Cliff St., PO Box 943, Marblehead, MA 01945 by 30 June 2009.
The Awards:
Social Events:
Event Results
Results are posted here. An eventful race, and a good time was had by all. Four years and growing - looking forward to next year's race! ^ TOP
Event Highlights
Photo Gallery
To submit your favorite photos of the race, click here.