Another week, another perspective on how life has changed in a pandemic world in ways no one would have ever imagined in their lifetimes. This past week, I had a chance to speak with war veterans down the street at our local store, it was a humbling experience. To hear how they were surviving, yet again. Indeed, it is a sobering perspective on what was a more difficult experience to go through, a one-time battle against a known enemy lobbing bullets and bombs at each other. Or, having an unseen enemy ready to attack you when you least expected it. No question, the latter was what these grizzled veterans feared the most.On the flip side, there are "rays of hope" that we can go sailing yet again! Below are a number of ideas that would make it permissible to enjoy our waters with family and close friends, given appropriate measures for distancing and use of PPE- such as face masks.
Indian Summer for Landsail Tyres J-Cup
(Cowes, England)- In the light of recent United Kingdom Government announcements, it has become clear that the 2020 Landsail Tyres J-Cup will be postponed and not take place in July. The new date, confirmed by an amendment to the Notice of Race, will be September 3rd to 5th, 2020.
Whilst the current measures on social distancing have been eased, they are still in place. However, by early September, the UK Government may allow competitive sports for fully crewed yacht racing, which would allow the Landsail Tyres J-Cup to take place. Key Yachting will continue to monitor the Government announcements and will keep the J Boat community updated with any relevant developments. Sailing photo credits- Tim Wright/ Photoaction.com. For more information.
How Can Keelboat Racing Work with Social Distancing?
(Dublin, Ireland)- Four-time Olympic sailor, Mark Mansfield, a professional sailor, is part of the Key Yachting/ J/UK team representing J/Boats in Ireland. Mark contributed a good perspective on how sailing can take place while enjoying with family and friends.
Fully crewed or shorthanded?
Though there are other options around, family crew and the like, clearly it will be challenging to sail fully crewed for the first couple of months and still keep the required space between each other. The sight of 8 bodies huddled together on the rail while going upwind on a 35-foot cruiser-racer would not only be regarded as unsafe, but irresponsible and would send all the wrong messages.
So, at what crewing levels could racing happen and still keep close to the permitted social distancing levels?
It is possible to specify a max crew level for different sized boats.
Different sized boats have different crewing needs. A J/70, for example, does not need the same crew numbers as a 42-footer. So, what crew numbers would be required on different sized boats. Here is my estimate:
Up to 26 footers 3 max per boat – Only 2 allowed to sit over the side
Over 26 foot and up to 31 foot – Max of 4 crew – only 2 allowed to sit over the side
Over 31 foot and up to 36 foot – Max 5 crew – only 2 allowed to sit over the side
Over 36 foot and up to 41 foot – Max 6 crew – only 3 allowed to sit over the side
Over 41 foot and up to 46 foot – Max 7 crew and only 4 allowed to sit over the side
And, so on in 5-foot sized increases.
An amendment to The Notice of Race (NOR) could be inserted for events to make these reduced numbers a requirement, while we still have these restrictions due to COVID 19.
Is this enough crew to race boats with spinnakers?
In the Fastnet Race in 2019, there were 65 entries in the Doublehanded class, ranging from 45 footers, down to 30 footers. Most boats were in the 35-foot size range and used spinnakers. Yes, they all would have autopilots, and that effectively gives you an extra pair of hands doing sail changes. But that still would mean that they would have had two less crew than my crew size thoughts above. Here is how that would look like on specific boats:
J/22, J/24, J/70, J/80?
Three crew could easily handle any of these boats. In fact, two would be just as easy. One is helming and trimming the main, one in the cockpit, and one on the bow. The Bowman stays forward of the shrouds; the cockpit person stays away from the helm, up by the hatch. It won't be all that easy, but 30-foot boats like Etchells have similar-sized sails and normally sail with 3.
J/109, J/109, J/111, J/112E?
Five on any one of these boats is possible. One on the wheel, staying back a bit. One in the cockpit is trimming the mainsheet but sitting well forward. Helm adjusts the traveler or leaves it in the center. One sits in the hatch, or on top of the coach roof. The Jib Trimmer sits out, and during tacks, they pull in the new sheet while the Mainsheet Trimmer has let off the old jib sheet. The Bow person sits out forward of the shrouds; jib trimmer sits out to windward, 2 metres back from the Bowman.
Downwind more room becomes available as both sides of the boat can accommodate the crew. Andrew Craig, Class Captain of the J/109 class in Ireland, says, "the J/109 is well-suited to shorthanded racing with the small jib and plenty of space for a reduced number to spread out. The Asymmetrical Spinnaker requires no pole, which also makes shorthanded use possible in the right conditions".
For more about Mark's perspective on the new world of sailing in the "post-covid-19 world"
Celebrate the 13th Annual Dark 'n' Stormy Virtually!
(Manhattan, New York)- Come together to support the Hudson River Community Sailing and Sail Academy.
Tuesday, May 19th, @ 7:00 PM (aka 1900 hrs Eastern).
Win prizes in trivia and bingo, dance to "Men or Myth", make Dark 'n' Stormies with your at-home cocktail kit, and socialize with the HRCS community. We promise it will be a night to remember!
All tickets come with entry into every raffle, with a fantastic array of prizes: a salmon lovers’ package from Portage Foods, remote meditation coaching, tickets to sail on American Eagle in Newport, a cocktail-making class, and more!
Can't make the event but still want to support? You can enter the Peloton raffle-- need not be present to win!
About the Event
For the past 13 years, Dark 'n' Stormy has brought our community together to celebrate a new season and fundraise for the transformative work we do with young people. As New York continues to battle this terrible disease, we think it’s important to support our students and their futures by keeping up the tradition.
Dark ‘n’ Stormy is going virtual!
Purchase your ticket to be a contestant on our live MC’d game show. Let’s dance, compete, laugh, and catch up with friends without leaving home. Go here to sign up and enjoy the show!
J/111 World Championship Update
(Cowes, England)- The J/111 Class Association, its owners, and the Royal Ocean Racing Club in Cowes, England have determined, because of the varying levels of infection and disruption across the world, to cancel the 2020 J/111 World Championship originally scheduled for September.
The Executive Committee has been closely monitoring the worldwide developments in the COVID-19 pandemic. They understand the huge commitment of time and money it takes to participate in a major Championship, as well as the enormous resources that our host clubs dedicate to such events.
Simon Bamford, Captain of the J/111 North European Fleet, said, “A big thank you to everyone who helped organize the J/111 2020 Worlds. Special mentions to Simon Grier-Jones who put many hours of work into it and to Steve Cole and RORC for their professionalism and support. Best wishes to all of you and looking forward to meeting whenever we can get back onto the water.” More news for 2021 plans coming soon. Sailing photo credits- Tim Wright/ Photoaction.com. Learn more about the J/111 and the J/111 Class here
J/Gear May 20% OFF Special!
(Newport, RI)- The "J" Under Armour long-sleeved polo shirt is a great all-round, stylish choice, both on and off the water. Light, comfortable, and easy-to-wear.
The shirt comes with the J/Class logo of your choice and can be customized with your boat name and sail number. Comes in colors of Black, Blue and White and sizes from S to XXL.
Check it out here on the J/Gear website
Smart Tune/ Smart Link Update
(Southampton, England)- Cyclops Marine and the Smart Tune/ Smart Link range of products have continued to evolve since its introduction in 2018 by innovative J/Sailors with backgrounds in engineering from the famous colleges in England- Cambridge and Oxford. The wireless rig sensor replaces your current forestay/ shroud turnbuckle fittings. They have been fitted already on J/99s, J/109s, J/111s and J/122s across the United Kingdom, Europe, and North America.
Peter Gustafsson, owner of the famous J/111 BLUR.SE, explained his experiences with the Smart Tune fitting and Smart Link for his B&G instruments system.
"In August, we installed a Smart Tune to measure forestay tension. The initial impressions were great; installation was super simple and having the tension on the mast display made communication much easier.
After sailing the Rolex Middle Sea Race and also the Coastal Race in Malta (we had a very shifty upwind leg) we also had some data to work with. Above is the forestay tension (in kg) as a function of TWS (in knots). So, in 12 knots of wind, 1400 kg is a good starting point with the J2 jib on our J/111.
This is just the first iteration, and we need more data before this becomes a cheat-sheet in the cockpit. But, it felt great to be able to convert our experience, and prior references on the backstay, to hard numbers. Also, communication with our crew/ trimmers worked very well, and it felt we could be more proactive with backstay tension when we have the numbers in view rather than flying blind behind us…" Read more here.
Video of the Smart Tune and Smart Link system at work
In a recent development, Cyclops Marine is supporting Sir Ben Ainslie and INEOS TEAM UK in their bid to bring the America’s Cup back home to Great Britain (last time it was there was in 1851)! The INEOS TEAM will be using both Smart Tune and Smart Link state-of-the-art wireless load-sensing products.
“Cyclops is proud to have our expertise contribute to the British America’s Cup challenge”, explained Ian Howarth, Cyclops Marine’s CEO. “And, it's fantastic that INEOS TEAM UK chose to utilize our leading-edge technology to help them with their data requirements". Read more here about INEOS TEAM UK data.
The NEW Sports Boat Smart Tune is due to be introduced to the market by June 2020, just in time to go sailing again! This new smaller size will be well-suited for J/22s, J/24s, J/70s, and J/80s. You can use them to "dial-in" repeatable, fast settings on your boat just using your mobile phone and the Smart Tune app. Learn more about Smart Tune and Smart Link here
Two NEW Social Distance Races Announced!
(Miami, FL)- As each region makes progress through the coronavirus pandemic, government restriction on recreation eases and boating becomes more permissible. But, with limitations within health guidelines, developing new events for organized activity becomes the focus.
At this point, any effort is worthwhile, as there are no bad ideas other than waiting for normal times to return (if ever). That’s not an option, so here are a couple efforts to mimic:
Social Distance Offshore Race- SORC– Miami, FL:
We realize that the sailing calendar has been placed on postponement for most all of the events planned for this spring and even into early summer. SORC has found a way to get you out on your boats in a safe and socially conscious way.
The Southern Ocean Racing Conference is the Organizing Authority for The Social Distance Race on May 24 which will be governed by the Racing Rules of Sailing, and Miami-Dade County guidance on On-Water Activity.
For boats 21 feet or larger, a pursuit start will commence a 20nm course on Biscayne Bay, with special rules including limits on crew size and how boats must remain more than 50 feet apart. Learn more here about "The Social Distance Race"
Rock the Lake Challenge- Sailing Inc. – Cleveland, OH:
The "Rock the Lake Challenge" seeks to promote and encourage participation in the sport of sailing in a format that is flexible and inclusive (please note- this is the home to the Rock & Roll Musuem of Planet Earth!). The event will consist of multiple race courses on Lake Erie along the coastline of Cleveland that competitors can attempt to race any date or time of your choosing between June 1st and August 31st.
No entry fee, and all sailboats with a LOA greater than 21 ft are welcome to compete. Scoring will use PHRF-SS, there will be multiple divisions (Performance, Cruising & Double-handed), and a rating will be provided if a boat does not have a valid certificate.
While the race courses will be defined, the format allows for a competitor to go when they want. If its breeze-on at 8 AM on Sunday morning, go sailing! If it’s a gorgeous moonlit Thursday night, go sailing. If the wind/ wave set favors an upwind machine, go sailing! Please come join us! Thanks for contribution from Scuttlebutt. Learn more here
J/Community
What friends, alumni, and crew of J/Boats are doing worldwide
-----------
* J/Net Brokerage Specials! Check out our exciting new site for lovingly-owned J/Boats from around the world.
Here is another beautiful example of our popular 33 ft. day sailor- the J/100. This J/00 shows in near new condition and is loaded with race and day sailing gear. She was completely re-fitted by her current owner in 2015 and has a number of great improvements on the boat; including a retractable carbon sprit, new standing and running rigging, full Grand Prix race bottom and keel fairing, and gorgeous new Awlgrip hull paint in Ice Blue. More information here.
* Down in South Carolina, an enthusiastic J/130 owner- Bob Musor from Mount Pleasant- passed along his perspectives on the joy of having the ability to go short-handed sailing and cruising on his 43 ft performance cruiser named SCEPTRE.
Commented Bob, "I celebrated 25 years of owning SCEPTRE this past month. She is as much fun to sail and cruise as ever. She has raced to Hawaii (2,225.0 nm), spent several years in Mexico after participating in the Baja Haha (a 1,100 nm cruise-in-company), held the San Francisco to Santa Barbara (Coastal Cup) record for a while. She trophied in the Rolex Big Boat Series. More importantly, I have taught many folks how to a sail a big J sprit boat! She is J/130 Hull# 25. She is still winning trophies and great fun to cruise. Just a great boat!
This photo is the University of Michigan sailing team racing her in the SCOR (South Carolina Offshore Racing association) Regatta in February this year.
I had a J/30 #340 before SCEPTRE. Prior to that, I raced Tornado Olympic class cats. Some friends bought a J/30. I crewed with them and got the bug. I have owned J/Boats for over 35 years and have enjoyed every moment on them.
By the way, great to see J/Boats' co-founder Bob Johnstone and his wife Mary living in Charleston now. I often see them out on their gorgeous MJM Yachts (can never figure which one he's got now- a 43z or 53z)."
Fair Winds,
Bob Musor
Charleston, SC
* Throwback Thursday- Annapolis NOOD Regatta
For many J/Sailors in the northeastern corridor of America, it is sad the huge HELLY HANSEN Sailing World Annapolis NOOD Regatta was canceled for this weekend. Nevertheless, understandable in this day and age of pandemic life.
Many of us have fond memories of sailing on the Chesapeake Bay and returning to shore after a long day's racing to enjoy the amazing "après race" festivities and entertainment ashore at Annapolis Yacht Club's beautiful new facilities! We are sure that all past participants are looking forward to the event later this summer- August 28th to 30th- to celebrate getting back out on the water! For more Annapolis NOOD Regatta sailing information
* Eight Bells for Harry Anderson (the young guy on the right)
Said New York Yacht Club Commodore, Bill Ketcham (owner of the J/44 MAXINE), "it's with great sadness that I must inform you of the passing of Commodore Henry H. Anderson, Jr., the 47th Commodore of New York Yacht Club and member #2. Commodore Anderson joined the Club in 1948, and his contributions to the Club were boundless, along with his character, spirit and sense of humor. The burgee is flying at half-mast at Harbour Court, and three black mourning ribbons are flying with the burgee at 44th Street."
From a J/Boats perspective, Harry was a big fan of the J/24 from its very beginning as a global sailing phenomenon. Its impact on sailing at all levels, from women's sailing, to youth programs, to multiple World Champions and America's Cup crews and skippers having learned from the world's best sailors in what is still the World's largest one-design keelboat class- 5,400+ boats and counting.
Harry often enjoyed his conversations with various members of the J/Boats family from the early days in 1977, while he was Commodore of NYYC, to the present day. Bob & Mary, Rod & Lucia, Stu, Drake, Peter & Jeff, would often encounter Harry at NYYC's Harbour Court in the dining room, at the bar, sitting outside on the deck chairs, sharing a few laughs and drinks together as we discussed an extraordinary range of topics. How could you not love Harry? A gentleman, bright as hell, considerate, with a quick wit, always something thoughtful to say. We will miss him dearly! Harry, truly the soul of Robert Frost's poem- The Road Not Taken- and John Masefield's poem- Sea Fever. A man passionate about the sea and those who loved it as well.
As American President John F. Kennedy once remarked at the dinner for the America's Cup crews, on September 14, 1962 in Newport, RI, "“I really don't know why it is that all of us are so committed to the sea, except I think it's because in addition to the fact that the sea changes, and the light changes, and ships change, it's because we all came from the sea. And, it is an interesting biological fact that all of us have in our vein,s the exact same percentage of salt in our blood that exists in the ocean, and, therefore, we have salt in our blood, in our sweat, in our tears. We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea - whether it is to sail or to watch it - we are going back from whence we came." And, so our dear beloved friend Harry... sail on.
A family tribute to his amazing life follows.....
Henry Hill Anderson Jr passed away peacefully on the morning of May 11 in Mystic, Connecticut. Commodore Anderson was a young man of 98 years. In his beloved Latin, Harry proved “Quam bene vivas refert non quam diu….it is how well you live that matters, not how long.” Harry lived an incredibly full and generous life for almost a century.
“Harry”, as he was known to his family, friends as well as by those who knew him by his legend, was a man of enormous intellect, inspiration, leadership, and inexhaustible energy. Recognized by many as a leader in international sailing circles for more than 60 years, Harry was also a mentor to many, a champion of experiential learning, and a historian of rare equal.
An adventurer from a young age, Harry sailed his first Newport-Bermuda Race at 15 years. Harry’s passion for the sport of sailing took him along many paths; from sailing as a child on Six Meters in the 1930s, to introducing the Finn dinghy class in the United States in the 1950s with his friend Glen Foster, to serving on the America’s Cup Selection Committee in the 1970s and 80s. Harry was the Commodore of the New York Yacht Club during the club’s last successful defense of the America’s Cup in 1980.
Harry’s achievements and contribution to the sport may never see an equal. He was a very successful racer, having collected dozens of victories over the years sailing his many boats of all sizes and varieties. He was a stalwart shipmate whose seamanship skills were exemplary. Many Collegiate and Frostbite sailors compete on the “Harry A” race course, a unique dinghy racing course created by the imaginative Harry.
To the many who had the privilege of racing or cruising or acting in an official manner with Harry, his greatest delight was derived from the camaraderie and friendships that came from the sport he devoted much of his life to. There is nary a noteworthy body of water upon which Harry did not compete or officiate, or a smart waterfront tavern where he did not raise a glass. Communicator, prolific writer of countless notes, problem solver, philanthropist, and fun-loving friend, “godfather by proxy” to legions and Uncle to a very special few, everyone – from waterfront rascals and collegiate sailors to Kings and Princes, Gold Medalists, Sultans, and Presidents, too – knew him as their cheerful friend Harry.
His connections were limitless. One would never be surprised to hear a person’s name come up in passing only to have Harry say, “he’s my second cousin, twice removed.”
His travels were limitless, too. Whether sailing a clipper ship in the Windward Islands, competing on the famed Six Metre “Goose” in the Solent, or working on his beloved Boulaceet Farm in Cape Breton, Harry was rarely a sedentary soul.
During those travels, Harry would never miss a chance to drop in and visit his many nieces and nephews and give them his whole-hearted support in their endeavors.
Born June 2, 1921, in New York City, to Henry H. Anderson Sr and Helen James Anderson, Harry had early distinguished Colonial antecedents, namely his great-grandfather Henry Hill Anderson, counsel for the City of New York in the 1800s.
Harry’s great grandfather, Oliver Burr Jennings, was a "Forty-Niner" (San Francisco Gold Rush days) whose ancestor Joshua Jennings settled in Hartford, Connecticut in 1645, concurrently with Jehue Burr, great grandfather of Col. Aaron Burr of whom Henry H. Anderson Jr. is a collateral descendant (both families settled in Fairfield, Connecticut). Harry is also a descendant of William James of Scituate, Massachusetts, who moved to Newport, Rhode Island, ca 1680.
Brought up in Oyster Bay, New York, Harry was also the Commodore of Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club, Commodore of the Revolting Colonist Outpost, and an honorary member of yacht clubs extending from Long Beach, California to Helsinki, Finland. He was a flag officer of nine different yacht clubs.
A graduate of Yale, Harry completed his studies there in three and a half years so he could join the United States Army in 1943. He served in World War II as a Field Artillery captain in Patton’s Third Army having landed at Normandy, D-Day plus 30. He was a part of Patton’s historic campaign which helped to liberate Europe from the Nazi’s. After the war Harry got his Law degree from Columbia University, though he did not follow in the Anderson family tradition to practice law.
Harry always saw sailing as an educational experience and tirelessly supported and promoted it, whether as a yacht club officer, U.S. Sailing director, college sailing advocate, Congressional Cup judge, financial supporter, or advisor to many sailing organizations. Harry was actively associated with numerous educational institutions including Tall Ships America, University of Rhode Island, Yale University, and the U.S. Naval Academy. Anderson chaired US Sailing’s Appeals Committee for 25 years and had a hand in writing a good part of the racing rules of sailing during that tenure.
Harry was a devoted, life-long researcher driven by a compelling curiosity about subjects ranging from the location of Captain Cook’s ships on the bottom of Newport Harbor, to the lives of his illustrious antecedents. He participated in comprehensive publications and films about railroad magnate Arthur Curtiss James (another collateral ancestor), and America’s third vice president, Aaron Burr. He was determined that those forgotten (James) or maligned (Burr) be accurately documented and assigned their proper places in history.
Anderson’s philanthropies included the Ransom Everglades School in Coconut Grove, Florida, his alma mater, where he was trustee for life. His name appears on the school’s gymnasium and sailing center. He was long involved as a champion of Yale (class of ’42) and University of Rhode Island sailing programs, having donated several fleets of boats, raised funds for sailing facilities, and as an advisor.
A longtime resident of Newport, R.I., Commodore Anderson sat on the boards of Tall Ships America, Seamen’s Church Institute, the US Naval War College, the Rhode Island Marine Archeology Project, the Aaron Burr Association, the Fales Committee at the United States Naval Academy, and the Foundation for the Preservation of Captain Cook’s Ships.
Always a volunteer himself, no one worked harder. Anderson had a subtle way of snapping the whip that not only produced results, but brought him respect and admiration. He was often the silent person at the table, whose succinct conclusions solved problems. His work continued well beyond the usual retirement age, including being a founding member of the University of Rhode Island Sailing Advisory Council when he was in his 90’s and even last month working on his latest project, a book about William Rockefeller (descendant of John D. Rockefeller- famous for creating the world's first vertically integrated oil monopoly- Standard Oil).
Harry’s awards and honoraria include Intercollegiate Sailing Association Hall of Fame; National Sailing Hall of Fame; Doctor of Laws from the University of Rhode Island (2009); The Beppe Croce Trophy (International Sailing Federation and International Yacht Racing Union); the Nathaniel Herreschoff Trophy (U.S. Sailing Foundation); Lifetime Service Award (Inter-Collegiate Sailing Association); Congressional Cup Scarlet Blazer; 33rd Congressional Cup (dedicated to HHA Jr); Post Captain’s Trophy (North American Station, Royal Scandinavian Yacht Clubs & Nylandska Jaktklubben); Bronze Star U.S. Army; Richard S. Nye Trophy (Cruising Club of America); Henry H. Anderson, Jr. Sail Training Scholarship Fund (American Sail Training Association); Lifetime Achievement Award (American Sail Training Association); W.P. Stephens Award (Mystic Seaport); Henry H. Anderson, Jr. Memorial Library (Seamen’s Church Institute).
Over the years and right up until the end, Harry would frequently write notes on an infinite number of topics, often on re-purposed paper. It is quite likely that many who are reading this tribute to Harry are smiling as they may have received one or many such notes through the years. Some were pointed in its message; others were anecdotal in their reference, often quoting classic poetry and prose to make their point or deliver the message. All were something to behold and cherished upon reflection.
Here is one of Harry’s notes to a friend in 2012: “Life’s pleasures are to be enjoyed in moderation, and apropos the cruising man, while we are not always borne with swelling sails before a blowing wind, neither do we drag out life struggling with headwinds; or befitting the fortune of the racing man ‘behind the foremost, ever before the foremost’. One snatches one’s enjoyment of the brief and pleasant hours like a school boy in the spring holidays.”
Harry Anderson’s was a life well-lived.
Harry was pre-deceased by his beloved brother Jim and is survived by his brother, David, and 45 nephews, nieces, and great nephews and nieces.
Given the restrictions of COVID-19, there will be a small family gathering to lay the Commodore to rest. A memorial “gam” of suitable scale and good cheer will be scheduled when the circumstances allow for Harry’s friends to raise a glass to his memory and legacy.
Harry was very generous to causes he believed in. All were focused on the development of young people through experiential learning from being on the water. Gifts in lieu of flowers can be sent any of the causes that were important to Harry:
- Yale Sailing Association, Ray Tompkins House, 20 Tower Parkway, New Haven, Ct. 06511
- Ransom Everglades School, Attn: Julie Rosenfeld, 3575 Main Highway, Coconut Grove, FL 33133
- Henry H. Jr Anderson Sailing Endowment, The University of Rhode Island Foundation, PO Box 1700 Kingston, RI 02881
- Tall Ships America, 221 3rd Street, Building 2, Suite 101, Newport, RI 02840
* How lucky we’ve been- a perspective on Harry Anderson from one of the United Kingdom's most successful sailors- Ian Walker- a guy who once knew how to sail J/24s....
The great John Wooden once said: “Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are…the true test of a man’s character is what he does when no one is watching.”
The passing of Henry Hill Anderson, Jr. reminds us of how much he did when no one was watching, and how great the impact was from his random acts of kindness. Well before Ian Walker was a two-time Olympic medalist, J/24 sailing champion, and now the Director of Racing for the Royal Yachting Association, he was a recipient of Harry’s kindness.
Ian commented on his experience with Harry, "In 1991, I captained the British University Team on a USA tour of the East Coast, racing against colleges and combined US teams from Maine all the way down to South Carolina. It was arguably the most fun six weeks of my life… although, most of it still lives under a 'cone of silence'.
A special highlight was our visit to the home of the America’s Cup– Newport RI. We had a plan to compete in the Around Jamestown Island Race on J/24s, but were without accommodation and no local contacts. So, after a couple of cold beers in a local bar, we hatched a plan to visit the legendary New York Yacht Club and introduce ourselves.
Imagine... eight British students turning up in a van at the NYYC having had a few drinks– hoping to perhaps be given a tour. LOL. We donned our blazers, put on our best British accents, and walked straight in the front door. However, we immediately realized we weren’t going to get that far, until a member was passing and asked if he could help.
We thought we were going to be thrown out. But, before too long, this gentleman had not only signed us all in as guests, he had bought us all drinks. And to top it all, he offered us a roof over our heads (all eight of us) for nearly a week!
We had no idea how lucky we were to have met Harry. His hospitality was exemplary and his sailing memorabilia in his house was extraordinary– especially in the toilet, as I recall. I thoroughly enjoyed recounting the story of how we first met, when we met again at NYYC Harbour Court many years later.
I feel honored to have met Harry and to have stayed in his home. To this day I feel guilty for not having appreciated quite how lucky we were at the time. What an amazing man and an amazing life. Sail on Harry." Thanks for this contribution from Scuttlebutt newsletter.
