Winning Crew - America's Cup Charters' crew dominated sailing in the Islands this winter.

2013 BVI Regatta

People always ask us what our crew does in the "off-season".  While there's a lot of work to be done on our Cup boats to keep them ship shape in Bristol fashion, there's always time for sailing.  New England just isn't the place for that in the winter, but if you can get away to the islands, you'll find some great sailing during the cold weather months and you may just see some of the friendly faces of a few of our America's Cup Charters' crew.

Micah & Walter show off their trophies

America's Cup Charters' crew made a big splash down in the islands and had a lot of fun reconnecting with old friends and making new.  The one request we have of them is always the same:  bring home the trophy - a request that they were happy to deliver on.

Micah on Bow

Micah was bowman on Team Island Water World Racing, IC/24.  They took first, dominating their class in the BVI Spring Regatta ending with a perfect string of bullets.    High seas, up to 2 meters, a wind speed for the first start of up to 20 knots, and a horizon darkened by a squall with a blinding rain made for exhilarating racing.  The week before , the St. Thomas Rolex International Regatta, wasn't quite as exciting as Micah and his team on board Three Harkoms took 2nd in Jib and Main.

Team N'aia - Walter was Bowman

Wet sails, slippery decks and squalls blowing off the Atlantic, didn't stop Walter and his team from taking first place on N'aia, a Swan 53.  The conditions making the win just that much more rewarding.  Walter got in a good month of sailing, winning 5th in Jib and Main in the St. Thomas Rolex the week before.  He also sailed against fellow AC crew member Joe Waits, in Virgin Gorda during the Rolex Swan Cup the week prior to St. Thomas.  We're sure the Islands just aren't the same after this visit from our guys.  

Joe Waits - crew from Intrepid

Hanging with the team of White Rhino, the crew took 3rd in CSA1 during the St. Thomas Rolex Regatta.  Nothing but the best sailors for our clients!  Let's see if we can get these guys back up north to finish prepping their boats for our upcoming season.  We begin our charter sails the last week in April.

America's Cup Charters Teams Up with Atlantic Cup Racing

Our America’s Cup 12 Meter Class yachts and the Atlantic Cup Class 40 Racing yachts are joining forces for a fantastic week of sailing in Newport.

The Atlantic Cup culminates their offshore racing (from Charleston, SC to NYC, NYC to Newport) with a weekend of inshore racing in Newport, RI.  Almost 100 years after the 12 meter rule was invented, the class 40’s sailed into the offshore racing circuit.  Both classes were designed within a box rule allowing designers to optimize their yachts for various conditions.  The Class 40 was chosen for the Atlantic Cup because it is fast, versatile, and an affordable platform.  All the same reasons that 12 Meters were chosen to race the America’s Cup in 1958.

  We are proud to be working with the Atlantic Cup to offer our clients a close up look at the Class 40's, the international teams and the inshore grand prix racing.  The Atlantic Cup is a dedicated class 40 annual event that combines offshore distance racing with an offshore sprint and concludes in Newport for Grand Prix inshore racing May 25th & 26th.  We’ll have events going on throughout the week as the boats arrive in Newport with opportunities to meet the sailors on and off the water and experience 12 Meter and Class 40 racing at their best.  For more information about our events:  

Click Here

About The 2013 Atlantic Cup

The Atlantic Cup presented by 11^th Hour Racing is a dedicated professional Class 40 race held annually in the U.S. with a focus on running an environmentally responsible event. The 2013 edition of the Atlantic Cup starts Saturday, May 11^th in Charleston, South Carolina and will showcase the top Class 40 sailors as they race a 648 nautical mile off-shore leg double-handed from Charleston around the infamous, Cape Hatteras then north to New York City. Once in New York there will be a brief stopover before competitors start the coastal leg of the race. The coastal leg will take competitors along the same course as the 2011 and 2012 race: 260 nautical miles, south out of New York to a turning mark off the New Jersey coast before heading north to Newport. Once in Newport, competitors will race a two-day, inshore series with a crew of six. The combined overall winner of both stages will be the Atlantic Cup Champion.

Competition Schedule:

•  May 11 - Depart Charleston, South Carolina, for double-handed (two people on board) 645 nautical miles from Charleston to New York Harbor, New York around the challenging Cape Hatteras
•  May 17 - Compete in a one day Pro-Am race in New York Harbor   
• May 18 - Depart New York Harbor with double-handed 260 nautical miles from New York to Newport
• May 25/26 - Two days inshore fully crewed (six people on board) buoy racing in Narragansett Bay. 
• May 27 – Event finish - party and award presentation

For more information on the race, the yachts and the international racers go to Atlanticcup.org  

Join America’s Cup Charters for a full sailing experience.

Contact us for more information and to book your experience.  

See you on the water!

All in a Day's Sail

Most of America's Cup Charters' crew have spent a good portion of their lives on the water, around boats or in a shipyard.  They are doing what they love and their passion translates to the services they provide.  In the time they have been sailing, they've encountered many situations and use that experience to help our customers make the most out of their on-water adventure.  In previous blogs, we've profiled a few of our crew.  Here's a dossier on one of our crew who's spent over half a decade with us.  Meet Ben.

Ben

Name:  Ben Farrar

My hometown is:  Cambridge, Ohio

I've worked at ACC:  over a half-decade, I started in 2007

I learned to sail:

   where?  Salt Fork Lake, Ohio

   on what?  Sunfish & Hobie Cats

   how old?  11

My role at ACC is:  First mate & relief captain on Intrepid

Before ACC:  I worked in San Diego on the Schooner America

In the off season:  I repair boats - Intrepid  and 2 other 12 meters in the Newport fleet, USA 61 and KZ 3                                                                    

My perfect day entails:  relaxing and having no responsibilities

My favorite book is:  Cats Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut

My favorite food is:   anything Mexican

My favorite sailing memory is:  Sailing from Key West to San Diego via the Panama Canal.  There was also a special day on Intrepid when Olin Stephens, the designer of Intrepid, came down to the dock for a visit.  I gave him a hand on to the deck of Intrepid and he reminisced about how he designed her.  At the time, he was 99 years old. It was a privilege to meet him, show him around the boat and see his reaction to how Intrepid looks today.  He told me Intrepid was always one of the favorite boats he had designed.  I have to agree with him!

We hope you'll sail with us this coming season and meet Ben.  You can usually find him barefoot on the deck of Intrepid!

Our Intrepid racing team, Ben is 4th from the right

A wet sheet and a flowing sea,

A wind that follows fast 

And fills the white and rustling sail

And bends the gallant mast.

Allan Cunningham

World's Most Beautiful Boats

We sure know a thing or two about classic boats, there happen to be four of them in our fleet of America's Cup 12 Meter yachts.  It's nice to see that Classic Boat Magazine recognized one of them in their November issue.  

Classic Boat Magazine is a British publication dedicated to the world's most beautiful boats.  Weatherly happens to be one of them and was recognized as such in "Overseas News".  Last fall Weatherly received federal recognition for her contribution to the history of naval architecture, engineering, and recreation.  Edward F. Sanderson, executive director of the Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission, announced that the National Park Service listed Weatherly on the National Register of Historic Places.  According to Sanderson, "The Ocean State has been a world-class yacht racing center for over a century, and Weatherly is an illustrious representative of this proud tradition."
If you want to read more about Weatherly's illustrious history, check out US Harbors write up.  

George Hill on right with partner Herb Marshall

George Hill, the current owner and skipper of Weatherly, also one of the partners in our company, certainly put a major effort into reviving Weatherly to her original specs and he continues to lovingly maintain her.  Throughout this winter, you can find George at New England Boatworks in Portsmouth, RI working on all kinds of projects on Weatherly, getting her ready for the upcoming charter season. 

One more note on the November issue of Classic Boat - the Fife schooner Adventuress, featured as an "American Beauty", was often seen sailing the waters of Narragansett Bay with a young captain at the wheel, Walter Cavanagh.  When she moved on to new waters, we were fortunate enough to bring Walter on as crew aboard Weatherly and now for the last two seasons he's been the captain of Nefertiti for us.

Captain Walter Cavanagh at the helm of Nefertiti

Crew Profile: Micah Reyes

Name: Micah Reyes

My hometown is: Coron, Palawan, Philippines

This is my first season at ACC.

I learned to Sail:

where?: North Carolina

on what?: Hobie Cats &Flying Scots

how old?: 17

My role at ACC is: I am a crew member on American Eagle.

Before ACC I: I worked day-charters and term charters and raced beach-cats in the Virgin Islands.

During the winter: I avoid the cold and go to the Caribbean or Philippines.

My perfect Day Entails: sailing with friends in the islands anywhere in the world.

My favorite Book is: The Bible, The Alchemist, and Oh The Places You'll Go!

My favorite Food is: freshly caught sashimi straight out of the ocean

My favorite Sailing memory is: building a local style 'paraw' trimaran in the Philippines

Get to meet Micah in person by going out sailing on “American Eagle”! For more information email info@americascupcharters.com.

Crew Profile: Nelson Allen

Name: Nelson Allen

My hometown is: Nantucket

This is my first season at ACC.

I learned to Sail

where?: Nantucket Island

on what?: 420s

how old?: 15 years old

My role at ACC is: I am a crew member on American Eagle.

Before ACC: I crewed and captained various yachts between the east coast of the United States, the Caribbean, and Europe.

During the winter: I deliver yachts to and from the Caribbean and travel in the western United States.

My perfect Day Entails: shredding some tasty waves, eating at a raw bar, crunchy tunes, and tossing the Frisbee.

My favorite Books is: Warrior of Light by Paulo Coelho

My favorite Food is: Fish Tacos

My favorite Sailing memory is: surviving a mid-Atlantic knock over.

Get to meet Nelson in person by going out sailing on “American Eagle”! For more information email info@americascupcharters.com.

Crew Profile: Walter M. Cavanagh

Name: Walter M. Cavanagh

My hometown is: Newport, RI

I’ve worked at ACC since: 2010

I learned to sail

where?: At the Newport Yacht Club

on what?: Capri 14.2, Sunfish, Hereshoff 12.5, Lasers and 420s

how old?: I first sailed when I was 8 years old

My role at ACC is: I am the Captain of “Nefertiti”

Before ACC: I was Captain of the 95ft ketch “Adventuress”, which was designed and built in 1924 by William Fife in Fairlie, Scotland

During the winter: I try and head some place warm to work on boats, or to Lake Tahoe to work as a kids ski instructor

My perfect day entails: Let’s just say most days are not too bad in my world

My favorite books are: My Old Man and the Sea, Siddhartha, A Wild Sheep Chase, To Kill a Mocking Bird, Salems Lot, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, David Copperfield, A Cricket in Time Square, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, Into the Wild, Blackhawk Down, Winning in One Designs, and anything written by Roald Dhal

My favorite food is: Pizza

My favorite sailing memory is: Sailing on “Nefertiti” with Ted Hood!

Get to meet Walter in person by going out sailing on “Nefertiti”! For more information email info@americascupcharters.com.

Shots From The Water

Today is the first day of the America’s Cup World Series Championship Racing.  Here’s how the AC45’s practice sessions have looked like so far!

AC45s at speed.

AC45s bearaway.

Korea at speed.

Korea leads the fleet.

Mark rounding.

Oracle in front of the Nantucket Lightship.

American Eagle as a spectator boat.

 

New Zealand’s Emirates coming out of the water.

Team Korea.

For the best view in the bay call (401) 846-9886 and come out sailing on a boat that has already won an America’s Cup!

News From The Water

It's been nothing short of a thrill to be able to watch the AC45s practice here in Newport. While the view from the Race Village at Fort Adams is impressive, watching these incredable boats from land can't compare to the excitement of watching them from the water. Naragansett Bay has been lucky to have sunny skies and good breezes while hosting the America's Cup World Seires and the weather looks like it will continue to cooperate. Tomorrow, June 28, marks the first day of Championship Racing, which will end on July 1. There is still time to charter a 12 meter from America's Cup Charters or join us for a ticketed sail. Visit americascupcharters.com for more imformation. If these practices sessions have been such a thrill, I can only imagine how amazing the Championship Racing is going to be!

America's Cup World Series Begins

The America's Cup World Series is finally here!  At 11 this morning the America’s Cup Village will open at Fort Adams and from 2:00-5:30 pm there will be some more unofficial AC45 team training sessions.  All ready this week we have been privileged to watch the AC45 practicing here on Narragansett Bay.  There is no better spot to view these amazing boats than from the deck of a 12 meter.  This is truly a great summer to be in Newport.

AC45 on moorings in front of Fort Adams.

Sweden's Artemis Racing in front of the America's Cup Village.

Weatherly coming home from the South County 12 Meter Regatta.

Intrepid, followed by Nefertiti, on their way to the South County 12 Meter Regatta.

Classic Newport: Castle Hill and American Eagle.

France's Energy Team sailing through Newport Harbor.

The America's Cup World Series Schedule

Here at America’s Cup Charters we want you to have as much information as possible about what’s going on in Narragansett Bay.  This summer proves to be an exciting one starting out with the America’s Cup World Series, raced in AC45, held right here in Newport.  Mark your calendars for the following dates and, as always, visit http://www.americascupcharters.com/ to book your sail on one of our boats.  What better way to watch the present America’s Cup World Series then by experiencing it from America’s Cup past aboard a classic 12 meter?

The America's Cup World Series Schedule

June 23 - ACWS Newport Opens

2pm - 5:30pm - Unofficial Practice Sessions

June 24

2pm - 5:30pm - Unofficial Practice Sessions

June 25

2pm - 5:30 - Unofficial Practice Sessions

June 26

2pm - 5:30 - Unofficial Practice Sessions

June 27

2pm - 5:30 - Unofficial Practice Sessions

June 28 - 1st Day of Championship Racing!

2pm - 5pm - Championship Racing, Fleet and Match Racing

June 29 - 2nd Day of Championship Racing!

2pm - 5pm - Championship Racing, Fleet and Match Racing

June 30 - 3rd Day of Championship Racing!

2pm - 5pm - Championship Racing, Fleet and Match Racing

July 1 - Championship Racing Finals

2:30pm - 4:30pm - Championship Racing, Fleet and Match Racing Finals

(Televised Live NBC Coverage)

June Pictures

We’ve started out this month with some wonderful charters and great regatta racing.  The proof is in the pictures.  Take a look!

The start of the New York Yacht Club Annual Regatta as seen from Jamestown.  Intrepid, American Eagle, and Nefertiti participated.

American Eagle from the deck of Nefertiti racing during New York Yacht Club's Annual Regatta.

Stormy--but beautiful--skies during an evening ticketed sail on Weatherly.

American Eagle out passed Castle Hill during a charter with Weatherly.

Weatherly's battle flag flying proudly.

Weatherly's crew trimming the sails.

Come experience it for yourself! For charter information, please call (401) 849-5868, for ticketed sails, call (401) 846-9886.

It's June!

It’s June and here at America’s Cup Charters we’re in full mid-season swing.  American Eagle, Nefertiti, and Intrepid are gearing up for New York Yacht Club’s Annual Regatta this weekend while Weatherly’s crew is looking forward to taking guests out for daily sails around the Bay.  For tickets, please call (401) 846-9886!

Welcome to America's Cup Charters New Blog

While we are working on this blog, please check out our website at: www.americascupcharters.com !