Classic Yacht Challenge Series fleet marks Labor Day weekend with Newport Classic Yacht Regatta

by Classic Yacht Owners Association 4 Sep 12:15 PDT

IYRS Classic Yacht Regatta © Stephen R Cloutier

The Classic Yacht Challenge Series (CYCS) fleet wrapped up its Narragansett Bay racing calendar over Labor Day weekend with the Newport Classic Yacht Regatta, presented by IYRS.

While Saturday brought only light air, the Ida Lewis Yacht Club's Race Committee skillfully managed to get the fleet out on the water and try to get some races off, to no avail. On Sunday, sailors braced for a similar forecast, but the breeze filled in stronger than expected, delivering far better conditions and a fitting finale to the 2025 season on the Bay.

"We are coming down to the wire in this year's CYCS and we could not ask for more exciting competition," said CYOA Chair Timmy Dittrich. "The Newport Classic Yacht Regatta marked the traditional end of summer with gorgeous sailing and great camaraderie."

The Vintage Division was won by Chris Culver at the helm of the 1926 12-meter. Onawa posted her best results of the season and moved up to 5th overall in the series after nine total races. She and her crew also picked up the Atlantic and Sappho Trophies for the best elapsed and corrected times over distance, respectively.

The 12-meter reign continued in the Classics and Modern Classics Division with Steve Eddelston's newly refit 12-meter Weatherly and Jack Curin's Intrepid winning those divisions. In the Spirit of Tradition class, newcomer Don Smith won with his Custom Sloop, Falcon.

IYRS Classic Yacht Regatta - photo © Stephen R Cloutier

Peter McClennen's R Boat Gamecock—refit by IYRS students in 2011—celebrated her 100th year this summer in style, finishing 3rd overall for the weekend and holding onto the top spot for the RI/CT/NY division and closing the gap on the Overall winner Blackwatch. Both boats also earned top honors in their respective designer categories, with Gamecock recognized as Best Herreshoff performance and Blackwatch taking Best Sparkman & Stephens performance.

The weekend also featured a boat parade with costumes and patriotism on full display. And adding to the spirit of the regatta was a fleet of women sailing Herreshoff 12 halfs. Having trained together every Tuesday throughout the summer, the group also organized a series of social gatherings leading up to the main event. Their presence not only elevated the level of competition but infused the weekend with an extra measure of camaraderie and joy.

The weekend wrapped with a lively afterparty at IYRS, highlighted by high spirits, delicious food, and dancing well into the night. Results for the regatta can be found on the event's website.

Coming up, the CYCS fleet heads to Long Island Sound for the final two regattas of the season. On September 6, the Sea Cliff Yacht Club will host the Heritage Cup Regatta and Rendezvous. Taking place just east of New York City, this regatta provides a scenic Long Island backdrop with a fun and festive atmosphere.

IYRS Classic Yacht Regatta - photo © Stephen R Cloutier

"The Heritage Cup has persevered and continued to thrive, now calling Sea Cliff Yacht Club in Hempstead Harbor its home," said organizer Michael Emmert. "The picturesque surroundings of the historic Sea Cliff Village offer a stunning backdrop for spectators to witness the thrilling competition among vintage, classic, and good old boats each year. Hempstead harbor allows us to start and finish the regatta less than five minutes from the mooring field, which allows us to showcase these magnificent yachts from land and sea."

Current standings in the CYCS are available on the CYOA website

CRF Overall Standings

Over 150 classic yachts have competed thus far this season with 39% of those sailing at least 3 races resulting in 46 teams eligible for awards. 17 of those qualifiers for the overall series. Boats have qualified for the series by sailing in at least 5 races across 3 events. Scores are based on a maximum of 500 points. For details on how scoring works, visit the Results page on our website. This includes an explanation of how the series compares a boat's corrected time to that of other boats in their CRF Certificate Division, not necessarily the class in which a regatta placed them.

Vintage

Contemporary

Modern Classic

1. Narwhal - Steve Frary - 416.67

Classic

1. American Eagle - Alexander C. Valcic - 433.33

Spirit of Tradition

RI/CT/NY Division Winners

For those Southern New England-based teams that sailed three races across at least two events in the district races:

Vintage

Spirit of Tradition

Modern Classic