1974

1974 was both a Bermuda race year and an America's cup year. I lofted and built "Courageous" US 26, designed by S&S, the last two time defender of the America's Cup at Minneford's Yacht Yard, in City Island,NY.The story really started in 1973.

Sailed the spring races in Long Island Sound on "Weald" a Swan 48 also designed by S&S, followed by the Bermuda Race with a crew, many of whom I still sail with today.(I believe we finished 3rd in class) Of note, our navigator for this race was Chick Larkin, a legend long before he came aboard. Not only a man of tremendous charm, but with a wonderful intuitive sense of where to place the boat on the race course. Remember this is long before GPS or Grib files.

From there I raced my first Chicago-Mackinac Race aboard "Country Woman" a Doug Peterson one tonner.

The reader will start to see a number of threads starting to appear. As many of the people I sailed with re-appear at various times in my history.