The first official week of Holmes Hole Sailing Association’s 39th season offered the best and worst conditions. The inaugural Harbor Race on a balmy Thursday evening, June 18, produced the ideal weather that reminds sailors of why they love the sport: a consistent southerly breeze, a 70-degree temperature and a finale of a pink, purple and gold sunset. By contrast, the wet and windy remnants of tropical storm Bill on Sunday caused the Sound Race to be scuttled.

Inaugural Harbor Race was held on a balmy Thursday evening. — Susan Waldrop

On Thursday, skippers were pleased with the new windward start that brings participants into the harbor to Nun 6 for the first leg of the race. Another innovation, starting the slower B boats 10 minutes ahead of the A boats, eased what has often been a hectic rounding of the first mark. At the same time, the two divisions have been reconfigured. The B division now includes some faster boats such as Alerions, increasing not only the number of racers, but also the level of competition and excitement.

Fifteen entrants participated and 14 finished: six in A division and eight in B.

Tom and Laurie Welch took first place in A division at the helm of Escape, a J/100. Second and third spots were held respectively by Undine, a Morris 36, skippered by Ed Cerullo, and Phil Hale’s Tango, another J/100. It will be interesting to watch the J/100s compete as the summer goes on. Other finishers in order of place were: Alex Pardo in the Sonar Go Time, Steve Besse aboard the J/120 Apres and Andy Berry’s Cal 33, Isobar.

In the B division, Roger Becker ably sailed the spirited Gloria, a C&C 24, to victory ahead of two Alerion X28s: Mo Flam’s Penelope in second place, and At Last, skippered by Jim Dixon arriving just three seconds later. Following these three were Commodore Jerry Goodale on Stormalong, a Pearson 31, King Kiwi with Irving Gates at the helm, and then Bow Van Riper’s Tyche, a Vineyard 15. Seventh was Avanti, skippered by David Lott (who claims that the windward start was the best he ever had) and another Alerion X28, Providence, sailed by Stuart Halpert came in eighth.

All HHSA races are handicapped, and remarkably, on Thursday all 14 boats finished within six minutes of each other on corrected time. The Handicap Wizard continues to work his magic.

Races are held Thursdays and Sundays. All are welcome. For more information, visit holmeshole.org.