Part 1: Bermuda, June, 2016

After racing 635 miles in 104 hours and 25 minutes both Verissimo, an Alden 63, and Metoluis, a Frers 84, were dueling as they approached the finish.  These were two magnificient classic racing yachts reminiscent of what comes to mind when one thinks of the Newport to Bermuda race.

Metoluis tried to pass two times and succeeded on the third attempt.  Verissimo tacked at the last moment crossing the finish line at 1:45 AM to claim line honors by 12 seconds in the Cruising division.  An exuberant Owner, Chris Cannon, he ordered a round of Bermuda’s signature drink, “Dark N Stormys”, for all hands.  This was Chris’ fifth Bermuda race and first in which they grabbed line honors.  A bit later they learned they had secured second place on corrected time.  A very successful cruise indeed!

After a celebratory diner among crew and family members, it was time to think about 2018.  Chris met with his watch captains and navigator to review the race: what worked, how the crew worked together, and how the boat performed. The weather had cooperated with smooth seas and clear nights.  Cruising along under a full moon at night at 7-8 knots almost made one forget this was a race!

Cannon who is a long-time customer of Landfall agreed to have us tag along for the next few months as he and his crew prepare their 2018 Newport Bermuda campaign. We will follow him through preparation of Verissimo for this year’s race. How he, his navigator, and watch captains evaluated the last race and what they felt would help the boats performance.  We will get his views on what makes a good crew, their qualifications and experience, and how they will train for this year’s race.

We will have information on strategy sessions and some pictures of their practice sessions leading up to the race itself.  Finally, we will have coverage of the race from the owner’s perspective and a post-race review.

This entry was posted on March 5, 2020 by James Frayer.