In what is believed to be a June record, 19 boats gathered in Vineyard Haven on June 25 for an overcast Thursday evening Harbor Race. To quote Phil Hale. “Big boats, small boats, old boats, new boats.”

While the skies were less than perfect, the wind blew an ideal 12 knots, making for a crisp and lively race. The span in corrected time was 11 minutes between first and last places.

"Big boats, small boats, old boats, new boats." — Susan Waldrop

In class A, two Morris 36s took the top spots — Undine, skippered by Ed Cerullo in first, followed in just five seconds (corrected time) by Michael Loberg at the helm of Masquerade. Third place was taken by Charlie Felder’s J/70, sailed by his son Will.

The ten boats in Division B were led by David Lott on Avanti, a Cape Dory. 27, with Isabella, a G&B Bella, sailed by John and Lisa Stout, in second place. Stormalong, skippered by Jerry Goodale, came in third.

The breeze was fresh, but changed direction a bit, so it was an unfortunate helmsman whose attention strayed. The brief appearance of a sunbow after the finish seemed a good omen for future Thursdays.

On Sunday, June 28 the 10 a.m. race was cancelled due to the wild and windy wet weather, but as Roger Becker put it, “The rain and wind gave way to a foggy calm,” and seven stalwarts showed up for the 2:05 and 2:15 starts. The course was shortened, and just “as the skippers contemplated the prospect of crossing between the chops in the fog with only about 100 yards of visibility, the wind picked up and cleared it away.”

The breeze had dropped from 60 mph 12 hours before to a lazy six, contributing to a leisurely afternoon race.

There were two boats in the A Division: Adam Hayes, on his J/34C, led Phil Hale’s Tango by one minute.

In the B Division, At Last took the honors, followed by Gloria. Stormalong was third, Penelope fourth, and Heimkehr finished fifth.

Holmes Hole sailors are hoping for a sunny Sunday before too long.