Edgartown to host world class yacht race in June

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Vesper, a Transpac 52 owned by seasonal Edgartown resident Jim Swartz. — Photo courtesy of transpac52.org

Edgartown selectmen endorsed a plan to establish an annual regatta for high tech racing sailboats at their Monday meeting.

Though organizers are still pulling together details, harbormaster Charlie Blair said a race is scheduled for June 23 and 24, between two Transpac 52’s, a class of large ocean racing yachts, sailed by some of the most competitive and skilled professional sailors in the world. One of the vessels is owned by Jim Swartz, a seasonal resident of Edgartown.

“It’s pretty exciting,” Mr. Blair said. “We’re hoping this race generates enough excitement to bring a fleet of six back in the future.”

Selectmen agreed to reserve the seven parking spaces between the Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Blue Fish Derby headquarters, and the Edgartown Yacht Club during the event, to store two large containers with gear used by the racing crews.

Mr. Blair said the race will be an economic boost during the off season. He said crews have already begun reserving hotel rooms.

Selectmen also dealt with three alcohol licenses at their Monday meeting.

In the first of the three public hearings, selectmen considered whether to revoke the year-round alcohol license for Il Tesoro, an Italian restaurant which operated for the last two years at 27 South Summer Street.

The restaurant has not remained open as required by its license this winter, according to selectmen. No representatives of the restaurant appeared at the hearing.

Selectmen voted to suspend the license if the restaurant is not operating by Saturday, March 31. “I think if he values his liquor license, he should have been here,” selectman Margaret Serpa said.

Also Monday, selectmen granted a year-round alcohol license to Patrick Courtney, who plans to open a new eatery at 55 Main Street. No one spoke for or against the license in a brief public hearing.

Selectmen also voted to transfer a year-round alcohol license now controlled by a bankruptcy trustee to three partners who intend to open a new restaurant at 11 North Water Street, formerly David Ryan’s.

“I think it was a hole in the middle of town last summer, and we’ll be glad to see it occupied this summer,” Ms. Serpa said.

In other action, selectmen accepted a bid from AT&T Mobility to establish wireless telephone service that extends to Chappaquiddick. It was the only bid submitted. Town officials will review the bid with a consultant hired to guide the process.

Selectmen declined to approve funds from the Edgartown Affordable Housing Trust to subsidize rents at the Morgan Woods affordable housing development. Ms. Serpa advocated raising the issue at the annual town meeting on April 10.