Carina and the NYYC Cup 1969

  This is a story that was brought back to memory by the thought that Ted Turner has chartered "American Eagle" for the 12 meter re-union in a few days.
  In 1969 racing on "Carina" in Cowes (Carina was part of the American Admiral's Cup Team) We were racing a non-Admiral's Cup race the Nab tower race. We did very well; not first, but well placed. We were ahead of "American Eagle" most of the course.
  The following morning motoring out to the start of a race that did count for the team, a launch from the Royal yacht Squadron came along side with a message for Dick Nye.  It was an invitation to the Castle to receive the New York Yacht Club Cup, awarded to the first NYYC boat to finish.  Now, we had done well, however another NYYC boat had finished ahead of us. Dick hastily penned a note indicating such and handed it ti the launch.
    We had to prepare for our race and anyone who has ever sailed a Cowes week knows it is chaotic with so many boats milling about on or near the starting line. The launch comes along side again with the message "you will attend"  Here I must explain that Dick Nye and "Carina" were not only legend in English waters but adored.   They simply preferred to award the trophy to Dick and not to the other skipper. Dick went and was awarded the trophy.

American Eagle behind Carina

Crusade at the Nab

Royal Yacht Squadron