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Oct 23, 2008, 8:59 AM
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Helen Johnstone Memorial Regatta 2008
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From Hugh Jones:
Helen Johnstone Memorial Regatta A Great Success First annual team-racing event sailed in spectacular Newport Fall weather
(Newport, RI- October 18th, 2008)- With the back drop of Newport transforming from summertime madness to sublime, gorgeous fall weather, it was clear the inaugural regatta celebrating Helen Johnstone's spirit in us all was going to be a fun and memorable gathering of friends from the world's sailing community.
The regatta was organized and hosted by various friends of Helen, including Hugh Jones from Locust Valley, New York acting as Regatta Chairman, Louise Wales Fields as Official Photographer and Merchandiser, Paul Weber as Regatta Dinner Host and Brad Read, President of SailNEWPORT, providing the J/22s and race committee boat/marks. Reverend Mary Johnstone presided as Regatta Spiritual Leader.
Participating in this year's event were the expected cast of Johnstone's- Stuart, Peter (with son Nick and daughter India) and Jeff all on different boats. Enthusiastic participants included Sharon Green (Stu's fiance!), Hugh Jones, Paul Weber, Barbie and Billy MacGowan, Susie (husband Jon) and Michelle Milnes (Kirby), Suma (Susan Maffei-Plowden), Diane DeSpirlet, Jeff Farrar, Platt and Nancy Johnson, Brad and Marie Beebe, Heather Gregg and son Hayden, and Lisa Gosselin. Putting in a cameo appearance was Ian McCullough, but after a cigar and a scotch declared it too windy and too cold-- we think he was already frozen cruising around in his convertible! Note- attending in spirit was Cam Lewis who called the gang to wish everyone luck (he was getting married to Gretchen the same day up in Maine!). See this link for regatta photos: http://www.helijregatta.com
The regatta format was kept simple- 3-on-3 team racing with mains/jibs only and 3-4 crew per boat. The spectacular conditions, the fall foliage exploding in a riot of yellows, reds, oranges around the harbor and a puffy 10-20 knots NNE wind within Newport Harbor made for a great day of sailing. With simple hotdog courses, starting in the middle with a windward mark just off Ida Lewis/ New York YC and the leeward mark just off the bluff of Beacon Rock, the racing was swift if not decisive for the winners of each race. It was clear the constant chastising of Stuart by brother Peter led to some awfully close encounters on the race course- with Peter citing 1984 rules (remember he does sail bicycles [e.g. catamarans] nowadays) and Stuart wondering if he was suffering amnesia and regressing after having just been schooled in the latest match-racing rules by Dave Perry at the recent Ficker Cup in Long Beach.
At the end of the day, the racing was fun, close and everyone retired to Paul Weber's beautiful home for a cookout and plenty of food and drink to celebrate the day's sailing and thank Helen for living on in our spirits. Next year more of you out there will have to join us!! Proceeds from the event were donated to the Helen Johnstone Memorial Fund which enables sailing programs for disadvantaged children.
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