The Holmes Hole Sailing Association has launched its series of handicap sailboat races from Vineyard Haven harbor.

On Sunday, the association held its Robinson’s Hole Rendezvous Race. Robinson’s Hole is a passage from Vineyard Sound to Buzzards Bay at the west end of Naushon Island.

It was a mostly sunny morning with a brisk southwest wind filling in for the 10 a.m. start outside of the Vineyard Harbor breakwater. Six boats posted for the start.

In the A division, first place went to Roger Becker in the C& C 24, Gloria. In second was John Amabile in the Swan 36, Solitude. In third was Jerry Goodale in his Pearson 32, Stormalong.

In the B division first were Art and Caroline Spengler in Raven. In second were Tom and Laurie Welch in the Vineyard Vixen, Eastaway.

The association’s race last Thursday came on a warm, hazy evening with a moderate west southwest wind of eight to 10 knots. Six boats posted for the start.

Finishing first was Bo Van Riper in the Vineyard 15, Tyche. In second were John and Lisa Stout in the Gannon and Benjamin sloop, Isabella. In third was Phil Hale in the Alerion sloop, Mischief.

The Holmes Hole Sailing Association continued its summer season of handicap sailboat racing from Vineyard Haven Harbor with two harbor races on June 22. 

The day was warm and cloudy with a fresh 10 to 20-knot wind from the south blowing throughout the day, a little lighter in the morning and heavier in the afternoon. Eight boats posted for the 10 a.m. start.

Finishing first in the A division was Jerry Goodale in his Pearson 32, Stormalong. In second was John Amabile in the Swan 36, Solitude. In third were Kathy Logue and Ernie Mendenhall in the Tartan 32, Rocinante III.

In the B division, first was Alan Wilson in the Marshall Cat, High Tide. In second were John and Lisa Stout in the Gannon and Benjamin Sloop, Isabella. In third were Tom and Laurie Welch in the Vineyard Vixen, Eastaway.

Five boats returned for the afternoon race at 2 p.m. As the starting sequence commenced, a fast-moving squall with lightning came in, causing a 10-minute delay. After the tempest blew through, the race started and was sailed without incident.

Finishing first in the A division was Jerry Goodale in his Pearson 32, Stormalong. In second was Roger Becker in his C& C 24, Gloria. Third was Phil Hale in the Alerion Sloop, Mischief.

In the B division, first was Alan Wilson in the Marshall Cat, High Tide. In second were Tom and Laurie Welch in the Vineyard Vixen, Eastaway.

The summer racing series continues with a night race on Thursday, July 3, at 6 p.m. and two harbor races on July 6 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

The association encourages new members and guest boats. More information is available by calling Diane Hartmann at 508-693-4592.