Fast, Grey Around Jamestown Race

ByStuart Johnstone

(Jamestown, RI)-The Around the Island Race (ATI) is the flagship sailing event of the Conanicut Yacht Club and the crown jewel of Narragansett Bay yacht racing. Held annually since 1927, the ATI sails the classic course around the scenic Conanicut Island, beneath the two iconic bridges (Jamestown & Newport), typically drawing close to 100 boats in both racing and cruising classes.

Despite overcast skies and intermittent sprinkles, the 97th Annual Around the Island Race delivered a day of exhilarating competition on the water. With seventy-three boats participating across nine staggered starts, the challenging 18.1nm course around Jamestown tested sailors’ skills and strategy, making for a race to remember.

The fleet featured a diverse range of sailboats, from J/22s to impressive 66-footers, each bringing its flavor to the competition.

Reflecting on the day’s conditions, Race Chair Peter Schott noted, “We were fortunate with the weather! The heavy rain held off and the breeze remained steady. The Race Committee executed the starts with precision, resulting in one of the most dynamic finishes in recent memory as the fleet condensed under the Newport Bridge.” Schott also highlighted the introduction of a MarkSetBot, a robotically controlled pin, which ensured perfectly aligned starts, a vital factor in managing the strong outgoing tide during the first leg of the course.

The race has always been popular with J/teams on Narragansett Bay, with dozens participating. Here’s how they faired in this fun, family-oriented face.

PHRF C Division
In this half-dozen boat fleet, Dan Borsutzky’s J/30 FLYING HIGH took home the bronze medal. Matt Dunbar’s J/22 WHARF RAT finished fourth and John Stokes’s J/24 FRAMBOISE placed fifth. 

PHRF E Division
This highly competitive eight-boat fleet saw Dawson & Ben Hodgson’s pretty J/100 GRIMACE take the silver medal. Meanwhile, Stephen Russell’s J/105 RIGADOON took fourth place.

PHRF F Division
This ten-boat fleet was a convincing win by Sean & Susan Doyle’s J/112E PHOENIX, winning by nearly four minutes on handicap time and taking 6th overall in the fleet! Taking the bronze medal was FJ Ritt’s J/35 SHAMROCK, followed by Bill Kneller’s J/109 VENTO SOLARE in fifth place.

PHRF H Division
This mostly J/Boats division saw Jack Gregg’s J/122 TARAHUMARA take the silver medal, while Tom Sutton’s J/122 LEADING EDGE took the bronze medal about 90 seconds later. Then, fourth was Mark Nannini’s J/120 SALACIA just 45 seconds behind!   For more Around Island Race sailing information.