Introducing the Rock2Rock regatta

New 159 mile race to be held around Long Island Sound in September

Stonington Harbor Yacht Club, a three year-old yacht club, announced today that it has partnered with Michael Hennessy to host the inaugural Rock2Rock Regatta, scheduled for 10 September, 2004.

The Rock2Rock Regatta will start at Race Rock on the far eastern end of Long Island Sound, run down the Sound to Execution Rock at the far western end, and then return back to Race Rock. September winds should ensure fast and exciting racing for the 159 nautical mile course. SHYC Commodore Michael Lobdell commented: “We are delighted to launch our distance racing program with this challenging and prestigeous new race.”

The Rock2Rock Regatta hopes to appeal to the traditional fleets, as well as promoting modern design creativity. Divisions will include IMS Racer, IMS Racer/Cruiser, PHRF Spinnaker, PHRF Non-Spinnaker, and NEMA rated Multihulls. A Big Boat division, measured under a modified IMS rule, will also be available to allow the participation of super-maxi boats with water ballast, canting keels and ratings in excess of 414 seconds per mile GPH. The regatta also includes a PHRF rated doublehanded division, and organisers are encouraging One Design classes. Active efforts are underway to organise a Mini Transat class for the race.

Monohulls will compete for the Rock2Rock Trophy for line honors, while multihulls will compete for the Race Trophy for line honours. The best corrected PHRF time will win the Race Rock Lighthouse Trophy, while the best corrected IMS time will win the Execution Rock Lighthouse Trophy. Double Handed entries will compete for the Deuce Trophy.

Rock2Rock is a circuit race for the Eastern Connecticut Sailing Association, and is one of only two overnight races that will award double points to all ECSA participants.

Race organiser Michael Hennessy is trying to fill a need he saw at the eastern end of the Sound for middle distance, overnight races that embrace a wide array of boat design. He commented: “Western Long Island Sound has great races like the Block Island and Vineyard races, and now Newport has the Ida Lewis Race. We felt that a similar event at the eastern end of the Sound could attract a large number of competitors for some exciting sailing.”

Rock2Rock joins the autumn schedule that includes the Off Soundings series, scheduled for 17 September, and Race Rock Regatta, scheduled for 2 October. Skippers now have the ability to string together several weekends of excellent New England racing.

The Notice of Race, draft Sailing Instructions and the official entry forms can be found on the race’s website at www.rock2rock.org or at www.shyc.us. You can also send an e-mail request to info@rock2rock.org. Interested skippers can also call 860-535-0112 or write to Rock2Rock Regatta, C/O Stonington Harbor Yacht Club, PO Box 87, Stonington, CT 06378. Entry forms will be accepted until Friday, September 3, 2004.
Contact:

Michael Hennessy (212) 816-5877 or michael.hennessy@citigroup.com
Stonington Harbor Yacht Club 860-535-0112 or office@shyc.us