The Marblehead Corinthian Classic is a celebration of classic yachts and enduring traditions, a marquee event that brings together a diverse fleet of boats and sailors. This year's 27th annual competition showcased a mix of vintage, classic, modern classic, and one-design fleets, with a particular focus on the spirit of tradition and modern classic yachts. The event's unique format, a pursuit race, added an extra layer of excitement and competition, with boats of varying sizes and designs racing side by side.
One of the standout moments of the weekend was the victory of the French gaff cutter Viola in the vintage class. Owned by Kostia Belkin, Viola is a 1908 Fife design, primarily raced in the Mediterranean. The team's participation in the USA, particularly to honor Marblehead's 250th birthday, was a special moment for the regatta director, Tim Dittrich, who sailed aboard Viola and marveled at the spinnaker run to the finish.
The modern classic division saw a close battle, with Jud and Cindy Smith aboard the Farr 44 Africa B Squad taking first place. However, the real story was the performance of Marblehead sailors Ted Moore and Amy Drinker, who raced aboard Intrepid. Despite being an exceptionally large boat, Intrepid managed to finish in second place for much of the weekend, showcasing the effectiveness of the Classic Rating Formula (CRF) in equalizing competition among traditional vessels.
Moore and Drinker's hosting duties at their homes added a personal touch to the event, with about 12 crew members joining them. Moore, primarily a 12-meter and team racing sailor, found the Corinthian Classic to be one of his favorite events, and the pursuit race format resonated with him and the other sailors.
The pursuit race format, where starts are staggered according to handicap, created a thrilling spectacle for spectators at Chandler Hovey Park. The fleet finished close together, bringing together a diverse range of boats, from 12-meters to Farr 44s, and even a 1908 Fife-designed yacht. The dramatic wind shifts and strategic decisions made by the crews added an extra layer of excitement to the races.
The Corinthian Classic is more than just a sailing event; it's a celebration of Marblehead's rich maritime history and tradition. The event pays homage to the town's legacy of yacht building and sailmaking, with renowned boatbuilders like Bruce Dyson and Quin Vaillancourt, and yacht designer Jim Taylor. The involvement of companies like Doyle Sailmakers, who continue to innovate and train new generations of sailmakers, further emphasizes the event's commitment to preserving the traditions of yachting.
As Thomas King, owner of the Hinckley 48 Valkyrie, noted, the Corinthian Classic stands out for its venue and hospitality. The event has become a favorite among sailors, offering a unique blend of competition and tradition. The pursuit race format, while challenging, has proven to be a popular choice for weekend competitions, and the event's focus on classic yachts and enduring traditions ensures its continued success and appeal to sailors worldwide.
