More than 200 competitors and supporters attended the 46th Annual Newport Classic Yacht Regatta over Labor Day weekend. Organized by the IYRS School of Technology & Trades and the Ida Lewis Yacht Club, the event, chaired by IYRS alumnus Jens Lange, featured 32 classic yachts, including a one-design race circle for Herreshoff 12 1/2s.
Racing began on Saturday and concluded on Sunday with a classic yacht parade through Newport Harbor. The event culminated with an awards ceremony and cocktail party on the IYRS Wharf, featuring music by the Honky Tonk Knights.
The regatta, which is part of the Classic Yacht Owners Association Classic Yacht Challenge Series, is a celebration of craftsmanship, competition, and camaraderie. It also helps support the student experience at IYRS, with nearly 80% of students receiving financial assistance.
Award Winners
- Most Patriotic: Bonita/Carol Swift
- Best Costumes: Katrina/Barbara Kranichfeld
- Best Power Boat: Bystander/Liz Isdale
- Best Sailboat: Radiance/Peter Johnstone
Designer Awards
- Herreshoff: Gamecock/Peter McClennen
- Sparkman & Stephens (and winner of the Mitch Gibbons Neff Cup): Black Watch/Joe Robillard
Specialty/Perpetual Awards
- Atlantic Trophy, Sappho Trophy, and Candy Cup: Onawa/Chris Culver
- Tom Benson Restoration Award: Radiance/Peter Johnstone
- Clingstone Cannon (for best Corinthian Spirit): Ponyo/Paul Koch
Division Awards
- Vintage Division: First place went to Onawa/Chris Culver
- Classic Division: First place went to Weatherly/Stephen Eddleston
- Modern Classic Division: First place went to Intrepid/Jack Curtin
- Spirit of Tradition Division (and winner of the Joel White Memorial Award): First place went to Falcon/Don Smith
- Herreshoff 12 1/2 Class: First place went to Cormorant/Weatherly Barnard Dorris
