The Holmes Hole Sailing Association continued its summer season of handicap sailboat racing from Vineyard Haven Harbor with two harbor races on July 24, 2011.

The first race on Sunday saw a hot, humid, windless morning for the 10 a.m. start. Ten boats limped to the line where the race committee called for a triangular course from nun 6 to red nun 4 at West Chop, then to green can 23a at East Chop, and back to red nun 6 in the harbor, twice around. The fleet was able to start and then limped to nun 4 in the scorching heat. The race committee mercifully shortened the race at the first leg since it took the fastest boat, Remedy, over an hour to go the 1.05 mile distance.

Dan Pesch finished first in the A division in the J-100, Remedy. Rounding out the field: Andy Berry (second) in the Cal 33, Isobar; Mike Loberg (third) in the Morris 36, Masquerade; Phil Hale (fourth) in Wicked; Jerry Goodale (fifth) in Stormalong; Eric Widra (sixth) in Tashmoo; Roger Becker (seventh) in Gloria.

In the B division, Rebecca Colson placed first in the Nonsuch, Silhouette; Dan Culkin (second) in the Vineyard Vixen, Magic Time; David Lott (third) in the Cape Dory 27, Avanti.

The 2 p.m. start saw clouds, a substantial cool down, and a northeast wind of 5-8 knots. Eleven boats posted and the race committee called for the triangular course from nun 6 to green can 23a at East Chop, then to red nun 4 at West Chop, and back to red nun 6 in the harbor, twice around. The first leg was a beat, followed by a starboard reach, and a run downwind.

Finishing first in the A division was Andy Berry in the Cal 33, Isobar; Roger Becker (second) in the C& C 24, Gloria; Jerry Goodale (third) in the Pearson, Stormalong; Frank Satula (fourth) in Soma Holiday; Phil Hale (fifth) in Wicked; Mike Loberg (sixth) in Masquerade; Mo Flam (seventh) in Penelope.

In the B division, Rebecca Colson placed first in Silhouette; David Lott (second) in the Cape Dory 27, Avanti; John and Lisa Stout (third) in Isabella; John Rose (fourth) in Trinka.

The season continues with a Sound race on July 31 at noon. New members are actively encouraged, as are guest boats. Anyone interested should contact Diana Hartmann at 508-693-4592.