After the 2024 event was plagued with fog and foul weather, the 2025 event put forth a masterclass of all that one can hope for in sailboat racing. On Saturday, July 19th, 18 boats showed up to the starting line southeast of Rose Island for the 20HC Cuttyhunk Race. Five minutes before the Cruising Class warning, the anemometer was reading 2-3 knots and it was looking like the next announcement would be an AP. But having smartly looked up the course to see the predicted southerly rolling in, Vice Commodore Pike made the announcement that we were a go!
First off the line were the six cruising boats led by Dennis Ferreira’s Gallop that carried a 15 second podium penalty after winning the previous edition. Five minutes later, 12 spinnaker boats converged on the line. With some westerly still in place, three starboard boats (Salacia, Vento Solare, and Persistence) were able to control to the pin, but the pin and port tack being favored, the entire fleet were able to get off the line clean and raced to string together the patchwork of breeze for the first mile of the course. By Castle Hill, the southerly stabilized at 7-9 knots, the fleet turned R2, and the parade began. The course from R2 to Middle Ground was a tight reach that saw code zeroes and reaching kites for the spinnaker division and outboard leads for the cruising division. Winds bounced between 9-12 knots all day and somehow it seemed like all of the lobster pots and fishing traps decided to leave the lay line to the parade of boats.
The 2025 Cuttyhunk Race saw new competitors lighting up the leaderboard. Overall winner Onawa was unable to get a soft sail up (except for a very brief moment nearing the finish line and I suspect that was just to make sure the bow team earned their harbor beer and swim), but having nearly 30 feet on the next largest competitor, it was able to put its waterline to work winning, on corrected time, by over 12 minutes. The Spinnaker fleet was rounded out with perennial podium finisher Tom D’Albora on Coconut in 2nd and new member Kate and Brandon Somers on their newly refitted C&C 41, Persistence in 3rd. The Cruising fleet was won by Kimbal Hall’s Hall Aboard followed by Bill Pearson’s Anoesis in 2nd and Dennis Ferreira’s Gallop in 3rd (carrying a 15 second/mile penalty).
It also was a showcase for the 20HC’s Youth Champion Series. Vela, a Graves Constellation typically sailed by father Michael Zani, was handed off to the young bucks, including Michael’s son, Wake. With the 20HC’s Youth Champion scoring, Wake and his crew enjoyed a 10 second/mile benefit for having an average age between 16 and 20. The Cuttyhunk Race is a perfect race for younger sailors given the relatively straight forward navigation, the typical reaching conditions, and most importantly, the willingness to camp out on sub-30 foot wooden boat. Right now, Wake Zani and Vela lead the Youth Champion Series for the year and they are looking for some competition.
Additionally, the 2025 race was also a showcase event for family sailed boats. Kate Somers, who had previously competed in 20HC races with her father, David Wilson, now had the opportunity to share that experience with her own family. Kate said it better than this Commodore ever could:
“This year, with our own boat finally race-ready, we made it to the starting line as a family, and it reminded me why this race is so special. The fun format and friendly competition make it approachable, while the relaxed social scene ashore brings everyone together. Too much racing these days feels like it’s only for the hyper-competitive and the costs are prohibitive, but the 20HC proves it doesn’t have to be that way. It can be tactical and a family affair. We got lucky with downwind sailing both ways—perfect for naps, toys, and a puppy who prefers the shade of the bimini. After refitting this boat ourselves last summer, it was especially meaningful to see her out there doing what she was built to do. We’re definitely making this race a regular thing.”
The 20HC is already counting down the days until Connor enters Persistence as a Youth entry. Tom D’Albora also sailed with his family, as did past-Commodore Marcus Cochran with his daughter on Onawa. Vice Commodore Pike double-handed his Farr 30 with his brother Eric. Arigato was sailed by Tom Gieseke and his son Johnny, and Solstice was sailed by Mark Gervais and his wife. Hall Aboard brought along the entire family (and was celebrating a 19th wedding anniversary at the same time). I am sure I missed a few, but just another reason why the Cuttyhunk Race is so special to so many.
It may also be special due to the seemingly endless dark and stormy buckets on the pier. As Cuttyhunk lacks the restaurants and retail of other regional islands, you have to bring the party to the pier, which the 20HC always does!
Now, with the Cuttyhunk Race behind us, we turn our sights to the Block Island Race. On August 2nd, the fleet will race from Newport to Old Harbor. There will be a post-race event at Champlain’s with dinner and a cash bar. BUY YOUR TICKETS EARLY TO SAVE MONEY! On Sunday, the 3rd there will be a lay day, unofficially sponsored by the Spirit team. And, on August 4th, the fleet will race home to Newport. The race will be scored by the cumulative results from both races. We will see you there!
Timothy Grimes, Commodore
Twenty Hundred Club
