8th Annual Geartester at Indian Harbor Yacht Club - Preview

Annual Geartester at Indian Harbor Yacht Club © Mary Alice Carmichael

Indian Harbor Yacht Club in Greenwich, CT will host the 8th Annual Geartester on May 18th. The Geartester is an early season version of Indian Harbor's notorious October Gearbuster currently in its 64th year.

These two races bookend the season and while individually scored, special prizes are awarded to the best performing boats in the combined Geartester/Gearbuster.

The race varies in length between 10 and 25 nautical miles depending on conditions. Divisions include fully-crewed, double-handed and non-spinnaker. The Geartester is also a qualifying race for the YRA's Windigo, Sagola, du Moulin, Kings Point, and Mertz Trophies. Since including non-spinnaker racing and becoming a YRA qualifier for Distance Race Trophies, participation in the Geartester has more than doubled. This race also gives junior sailors the ability to qualify for the YRA Youth Challenge Cup.

"Historically the Geartester has attracted racers from over fifteen clubs across Long Island Sound and New York City. This premier event is increasingly being recognized as an excellent early season tune-up race. Brisk May winds afford sailors the opportunity to test their gear, while strong Autumn gusts often challenge the durability of their gear" said Greg Neumann, event Chairman.

Competitors are invited back to Indian Harbor following the race for a barbecue on the Club's picturesque South Patio. Complimentary moorings will be available from noon Friday to noon Sunday. Longer-duration moorings are available on request .

Sailors can test their gear on May 18th and bust it on October 12th! Visit Yachtscoring.com to register and view the Notice of Race.