I was back racing at Marblehead yesterday. It has been close to 12 months since I have raced with the local fleet. I can only describe it as delicious.

The first gun was at 12.00. Despite four classes on the line, the RC banged off four races for the Vipers. 1 mile windward/leeward twice around and back to the dock by 4.30 pm. The great thing about Marblehead is that you leave the harbor, turn right, past Marblehead Rock and you are immediately in open ocean. The race course is right on the doorstep.

Sail Newport 2010 – Viper Fleet

Team Black Mamba assembled on a hot and humid Friday afternoon for a quick practice sail, since the last regatta sailed together was back in November on Lake Norman. Sail Newport was teeming with activity, with a mix of Vipers, K6s, and J Boats launching and prepping for the regatta. The main launching area at Sail Newport always has a relaxed atmosphere, with cars and trucks parked on the lawn and trailers moving seamlessly in and out. We caught up with the current North American champs Team Jackpot (sans Brad Boston, who was sailing Etchells ACCs at the same regatta) and did some downwind practice to just north of the Newport Pell Bridge (the racing circle for the weekend). The winds were a light and variable 5 knots, unfortunately after some upwind tuning, the wind was quickly dying as we tried to head back. With no paddle and a strong adverse current, our only choice was to rock, pump, and “hand” paddle our way back… until I heard some laughing behind us. A Club Swan 42 was also headed in, but under power and friendly enough to give a tow.  We got back to Fort Adams, pulled the boat for the night and headed to dinner as we saw other Vipers just getting into Newport.