Joe Brito’s J/121 “Incognito” of Bristol took overall honors for best corrected time at the fourth annual Rhody Regatta, a fundraising race that benefits Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island, organizers announced.
The regatta, organized by the International Yacht and Athletic Club, was originally scheduled for Saturday, May 30, but was postponed by a day after forecasts called for sustained northeast winds and gusts approaching 50 knots across Narragansett Bay, according to organizers. They said several boats withdrew due to the date change.
A fleet of 10 boats started at 11 a.m. in a light southeasterly breeze of three to five knots and completed an 18-nautical-mile clockwise circumnavigation of Conanicut Island, organizers said. Conditions built to a 15-knot southwesterly by the finish.
“We probably lost five or six boats to the date change,” said Event Co-Chair Mick Harvey. “But at the end of the day, competitors understood the risks of having the race on Saturday and were grateful for the Race Committee’s decision and effort to still run a good, fun and above all, safe race.”
“Incognito” also won first place in PHRF 2. Doug Newhouse’s Spirit 52 “Yonder” of Newport finished second overall, and Wendy Schmidt’s Botin 45 “Azulito” of Newport finished third overall.
Brito described a course that demanded constant attention as winds shifted between Narragansett Bay’s East and West Passages. “We pursued the backside of the island very well,” he said. “Those who stayed farther east went faster, and we converged with five or six boats at the rounding mark at the north end of the island, but we picked our lane and nailed it. Then the wind began to roar from the southwest at 14 to 15 knots for the beat to the finish.”
Other class winners were EC Helme’s J/92S “Spirit” of Newport in PHRF 1 and “Azulito” in PHRF 3.
Organizers said the regatta set a fundraising goal of $10,000 for Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island, and donations have nearly reached that mark. Fundraising will continue through the awards ceremony on Sunday, June 7, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Brick Pizza Company’s Stone Room at Unity Park in Bristol. Awards will recognize the top sailing performances and the leading fundraising team.
Donations can be made at bit.ly/Rhody2026fund.
