The Holmes Hole Sailing Association kicked off the summer season on June 14 with its first-ever opening-weekend potluck supper, followed by an annual tune-up race on Sunday, June 15.

More than 34 skippers and crew converged on Steve and Pam Besse’s house in Vineyard Haven for the supper where Commodore Gerry Goodale announced the season as officially started, and Roger Becker issued sailing instructions.

The next day Frank DeSimone captained his Colombia 32 sloop for an opening-day win by nearly five minutes over second-place finisher Penelope, skippered by Mo Flam.

Coming in third was Brian Roberts aboard Aileen, a Sparkman & Stephens entry, and fourth was HHSA newcomer Adam Hayes aboard Reslience, an S&S Dolphin. Overall 12 boats came to the line and set out for East Chop on Course No. 1, a 6.5 mile loop that sent the fleet twice around the harbor buoys.

The wind blew out of the north with just enough authority at 12 knots to craft a beautiful afternoon of sailing. All boats finished in just over two hours with both A and B division vessels competing as one group.

Next race is on Sunday June 22 which will start at 12 noon on a course that will take the fleet out into Vineyard Sound. Competitors will be divided into divisions A and B to begin season series scoring.

If interested in joining the HHSA, contact David Lott at 508-693-6204.