Part 3: 2018 Newport Bermuda Race

Getting the Boat Ready

Chris Cannon, the owner of Verissimo, has finalized his crew for the 2018 Newport Bermuda race.  She is ready to splash in early May and begin serious practice with the crew.

Chris and his crew had a good deal of success in 2017, competing in some significant races including Marblehead to Halifax and Conanicut Yacht Club Around The Island race, taking a first In Class in each by the way. By late fall Verissimo was on the hard at the Newport Shipyard getting some needed maintenance.  As she is turning 20 this year, it was time to evaluate equipment and take a hard look at all systems.

When it comes to evaluating what needs to be done, Chris relies on Captain Matt Reinhardt.   Matt has a 100 Ton USCG Masters Certificate and has been sailing the waters from New England to the Caribbean for almost fifteen years.  Matt and Chris spend many days sailing together either discussing Verissimo’s performance or simply enjoying a cruise on Narragansett Bay.  Chris believes that having someone with Matt’s experience is a necessity.  Their first step is to create a “wish” list.  The items/tasks on the work list are bounced off friends, crew, and vendors. Kicking around ideas and concepts that will improve Verissimo’s performance and continue to ensure safety during offshore racing and cruising helps refine the final work list.  He says “Matt is very good at herding cats” meaning he gets things done in a boatyard…on time and on budget.

One of the first items on the list was to install a new powered, line driver traveler control, as the original system had a tendency to bind up more and more often.  It was felt that this upgrade should yield benefits trimming the main.  Although with a crew of fourteen racing, there were enough hands to work through any issues with the traveler’s quirks.  Chris and Matt, believe the new traveler will be more comfortable when sailing with family and friends …and maybe pick up a minute here or there during the race!

Another, rather significant task had to do with changing the steering ratio, essentially making the wheel more responsive.  On the surface this seems a rather simple adjustment, however involved considerable labor including adjustments to the rudder itself.  This modification will enhance steering, particularly in light air, and facilitate sail trim.  In our last installment Chris talked about the importance of getting all the crew time at the helm.  This modification should help his trained crew hold a true course and cut time.  Verissimo captured line honors in the Cruising Division in 2016 by only 12 seconds!

This entry was posted on March 3, 2020 by James Frayer.