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| The Marblehead Laser Fleet racing off of Children's Island |
In just 10 weeks Marblehead, Ma will welcome Master Laser
sailors from all over North America to compete in the 2016 US Masters Laser Nationals, September 29-October 1. If you haven’t attended a Masters Nationals
Regatta this is a great opportunity to experience one of the finest sailing
venues in the U.S.
A Bit of Nautical History
Marblehead has a unique history as a maritime town, which
until 1648 was part of neighboring Salem (witches anyone?)
In 1814, Marblehead mariners and its famed harbor came to the rescue as
the vessel USS Constitution was being pursued by two British frigates. Many of
the crewmen were from Marblehead and, being familiar with the rocky waters,
piloted the Constitution into the protection of Marblehead Harbor. The British,
with no charts of the rocks and channels and seeing cannons being readied at
Fort Sewall at the mouth of the Harbor, retreated.
The Constitution, which was nicknamed “Old Ironsides” for
its ability to withstand cannon shots, is today the oldest commissioned ship in
the United States Navy. It is berthed at the Charlestown Naval Yard in Boston
and is open for tours.
Marblehead Sailing Scene
Whether you spend the weekend focused on Laser sailing or
desire to wend your way through the twisting streets of this beautiful old town
you have a huge treat in store. From a sailing perspective Marbleheaders take
their sport quite seriously. During September the harbor will still be filled
with all manner of yacht from the classic IOD to the sleek J88. Laser sailing
at Eastern Yacht Club has long been a popular activity and the fleet has grown
over the years from just a few boats to over 40 boats on the line at this
year’s NOOD regatta. Youth sailing is also huge with many local youth sailors
spending their summers at the Pleon Yacht Club. Founded in 1887 Pleon has the
distinction of being a completely youth oriented yacht club in that all it’s
flag officers and members are under the age of 21.
The Host Yacht Club
Eastern Yacht Club on idyllic Marblehead Neck will be the site for the Nationals. After a fire in 2014 decimated the main club house EYC was
rebuilt into a roomy facility that represents all a yachty could want. The main
facility, with its spacious lawn overlooking Marblehead harbor, sports multiple
dining rooms for both casual and formal dining, two bars and modern locker
rooms. Upstairs rooms are available for overnight stays at a rate competitive
with local hotels. What would be better than to roll out of bed in the morning
and take a quick look out the window to see your Laser parked on the EYC
property.
Having sailed regularly at EYC with various fleets I can
emphatically say regatta management is exemplary. They take their work
seriously and always endeavor to put racer’s needs at the top and facilitate
competition that is both fun and fair. Racing will be conducted in the open
waters off of Marblehead neck and I am told that both radial and standard
fleets will sail a trapezoid course with inner and outer loop. Organizers are
hoping to get off up to 4 races a day.
The last reason for coming to the Nationals is that you get
to help me celebrate my birthday on 9/30. What a great present it would be to
have all my Laser friends from all over the U.S., Canada and beyond to come
share the fun. So be there or be square!
For more information on the regatta and the NOR go to US Masters National Regatta 2016.
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