Not a lot of traditions last 135 years, but don’t say that in Marblehead.
For all of those years, the Boston, Corinthian, and Eastern yacht clubs have rotated hosting duties for Marblehead Race Week, which, again, hosted six races across a four-day regatta this past week.
This year, one of Marblehead’s most highly anticipated annual events saw Eastern Yacht Club welcome competitors of the Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta Series, featuring a large turnout of sailors, friends, and onlookers.
Nearly 160 entries made their best efforts to join Marblehead Race Week’s history books.
In the International One Design fleet, sailor Bill Widnall, well-known for his sailing in Marblehead and around the world, earned the win onboard his boat the Javelin and, ultimately, took home the William Widnall Trophy for first overall.
Marblehead’s Charlie Pendleton and Jim Raisides — on their boat Bad Hombre— captured second place overall and first in the Corinthian/amateur division with 21 points.
This year’s Leonard M. Fowle Award — given to one who exhibits a strong dedication to sailing in Marblehead — went to Jud Smith, chairman of the Eastern Yacht Club Race Committee.
Race to Alaska Solo record-holder, Adam Cove, joined Sailing World Editor Dave Reed at the club’s Speaker Series last Thursday night. He spoke about winning a 750-mile race through the cold waters of Alaska.