By Holly Rodgers Wescott
Holmes Hole Sailing started its official season on Sunday, a perfect summer day, with an ambitious race across Vineyard Sound to Cape Cod. Wind gusts peaked at 25 to 26 knots, whipping up whitecaps across the water. Eleven boats came out for the start, but three decided against it (one because of a torn mainsail). The race route was course No. 5 in reverse, which required a brisk dash on a screaming reach to Falmouth R16, then to Green Pond R14, and back to Vineyard Haven Harbor. The tide was flooding all afternoon, which presented an added challenge as the fleet beat its way back. Although miles ahead, Steve Besse’s Apres won the cup by just 50 seconds over Beck Colson’s Silhouette, after calculating each boat’s handicap. Mo Flam on Penelope took third place.
We welcome all interested sailors to join Holmes Hole. Go to holmeshole.org to sign up! Races are held every Thursday evening at 5 pm and Sunday afternoons at 2 pm. Any monohull boat within reach is welcome for the entire season or just one race. Ratings are updated after several races, based on performance relative to the group.