Bluenose Yacht Sales becomes presenting partner of Ida Lewis Distance Race

Alchemist will defend in Doublehanded Class at this year's Ida Lewis Distance Race, which is presented by Bluenose Yacht Sales © Melissa Santaniello

The annual Ida Lewis Distance Race, scheduled for its 17th edition on August 19-21, has announced that Bluenose Yacht Sales is the event's new Presenting Partner. Bluenose Yacht Sales is the dealer for Jeanneau Sailboats, which served as presenting sponsor in 2020.

"This partnership with the Ida Lewis Distance Race is an excellent opportunity to support our sport and this fun, challenging event," said Glenn Walters, managing partner of Bluenose Yacht Sales. "We represent a variety of new boat brands and are brokers for many outstanding sailboats, including Alchemist, the Jeanneau Sun Fast 3300 that is our defending champion in the Doublehanded Class at the Ida Lewis Distance Race."

Alchemist, which last month won the New England Solo/Twin (for a second consecutive year) and Edgartown Race Weekend's coveted Venona Trophy in that event's 'Round-the-Island Race, will be co-skippered by World and North American sailing champion Brad Read (Middletown, R.I.) and Porter Kavle (Annapolis, Md.). Read, executive director of Sail Newport, has been part of a rotation of sailors (including North Sails President Ken Read and Suzy Leech) who have contributed to Alchemist's undefeated record since the start of her ambitious double-handed campaign in January of 2020. Additionally, there are two other Sun Fast 3300s registered for this year's Ida Lewis Distance Race.

"The Ida Lewis Distance Race is a significant event for those who love to sail offshore, whether doublehanded or with a fully crewed boat," said Read. "It's an overnighter that is just the right length - not too long, not too short - so that all types of sailors can try their hand at it."

In addition to an ORC Doublehanded Class, the Ida Lewis Distance Race hosts classes for ORC and PHRF handicapped monohull boats and a class for PHRF Cruising Spinnaker Class. These classes start on Friday, August 20 when the Race Committee will decide (based on weather forecasts) which of four courses to use. The courses range between 112 and 169 nautical miles. (On Saturday, August 21, a separate fleet of PHRF and Spinnaker Cruising Class sailors will test their skills in a 33-mile IN BAY race that is also part of the event.)

The Ida Lewis Distance Race is hosted by Ida Lewis Yacht Club. Currently, 49 teams are registered to compete.

For more information visit www.ilyc.org/distancerace.