Impressive fleet for Annapolis to Newport Race

With the close of entries less than a week away an impressive fleet of 59 boats are in the final stages of preparation. The 2009 Annapolis to Newport Race will start June 5th, the 62nd anniversary of the race. The course record of 42 hours, 58 minutes, 12 seconds set by Carrera, Joseph Dockery's Farr 60 skippered by Chris Larson in 2001, is clearly threatened by entries such as George David’s 91’ maxi Rambler with Peter Isler aboard as navigator and Jim Grundy’s brand new custom Tripp 75 Bella Pita as well as perennial contender for line honors, Jim Muldoon aboard his custom 72’ Donnybrook. In addition, four 53 footers and Ennio Steffini’s 52’ Judel Vrolik Anema&Core assure that the battle at the front of the fleet will be intense.

There is another notable entry quite unlike the new all out race machines. It is Prim, a classic beauty. She is a modified Owens 41, entered by Henry Gibbons-Neff. Prim’s first Annapolis to Newport Race was in 1955 sailed by Morton Gibbons-Neff Jr. 54 years later this will be her 12th race. She already has two class wins. Prim has been owned and sailed by the Gibbons-Neff family of Easton, Maryland throughout her career. You will be able to follow the race on the internet via iBoat Track transponders on each boat thanks to sponsorship by the Barbados Tourism Authority. Coverage will be better than ever with hourly updates. Click here to go to the race website for more information, the full entry list and to access the tracking.

About the Annapolis to Newport Race

The Annapolis to Newport Race is one of the most historic and well-known of the U.S. East Coast blue water races. First run 62 years ago from Newport to Annapolis, it links two seaports dating from our nation's birth. The race provides challenging diversity over different bodies of water, as well as convenient ports of refuge along the entire course. As a result, the race is a favorite for first-time offshore competitors, as well as experienced blue water racers. The Annapolis Yacht Club and the New York Yacht Club are the Organizing Authority for the race, with assistance from the Naval Academy Sailing Squadron and Ida Lewis Yacht Club. More information about the 2009 running of the Annapolis to Newport Race, including general information, online sign-up, the race documents and history are available here.