In one week's time, Connett family and friends will assemble at the Shinnecock Yacht Club to yet again celebrate (and race!) for the storied Harold Connett Bowl (est. 1946). The 2018 race comes off the heels of the eventful and widely reported SS Class Championship Race held on July 18, 2018, commemorating the 110th anniversary of the legendary wooden sailboat designed by Benjamin Hallock on the southern shores of Long Island in 1908.
A brief summary of the 110th is in order. With the wind blowing over 20 knots out of the north and east, Skipper Brad Connett, with Ian Connett in crew, rigged the proud sails of SS 12 "Buddy" (saved in late 2017) in an effort to challenge nine other SS class vessels, including those captained by Bob Murray (sailing in SS 47 "Susie") and SS Class Association Commodore Robert Dudley. Team Fiji's Captain Albert Connett raced in the newly restored SS 137.
Returning home, SSs at Shinnecock.
Brad and Ab, rigging SS 11 "Buddy”.
To quote the SYC Commodore, “what ensued was nothing short of awesome.” In just the first race, set in Penniman's Creek due to the day's high force winds, seven out of ten boats finished with the remainder capsizing or retiring with equipment failures.
110 years and still sailing in Shinnecock!
Getting the hang of things. Buddy chasing.
Stay away from those docks!
Buddy, tacking upwind.
There goes the mast!
Done for the day.
SS 11 suffered a "snapped mast" at the base as Buddy charged upwind into the start. In the second race, only three boats completed the course. By that time, the wind had built to a steady 23 knots. The fleet sailed in front of the dock while a crowd of 50 members watched and cheered on remaining racers!
Heros of the day!
Cap Ab and Bob.
SYC Fleet Captain John Sartorius III and his father, John Sartorius Jr, won the first race, winning The Atwater Trophy named after William B. Atwater - the successful Pittsburg coal magnet who commissioned the construction of the first SS sailboats in Westhampton, NY. Bob Murray and Jock McLean came in second. "Survival was key. Masts were broken. But, the spirit of participation was strong" said the SYC Commodore.
It's in this spirit that we now look forward to the upcoming 2018 Connett Bowl Race! Safe travels to those venturing to Long Island to partake in this year's event, and best wishes to those who cannot attend and will be there in spirit.
Arte et Marte!
-Ian Connett
Vice Commodore, The Anchor Club Yacht Squadron
