The long wait is over. Vento Solare was launched at Borden Light Marina on 11 April. We've been ready for over a week but had to wait for a boat getting a new engine that was blocking the travel lift. As soon Vento Solare was launched, a quick sea trial was run to perform initial calibration on the new instruments and autohelm. Everything works great.
Many tasks were accomplished over the winter. Some notable projects include: all new B&G instruments and Autohelm, new lifeline cushions so the crew may hike more comfortably, all winch drums resurfaced and added Expedition software to laptop for race planning and instrument calibration.
The 3Di main and cruising jib are bent on so Bill & Larry can deliver the boat from Borden Light Marina to the Navy Marina on Friday 12 April. Our first pleasure sail will happen on Saturday. Many of the spring clean up tasks happened over the past week while waiting to launch. Vento Solare is in great shape to start the 2019 season. Thanks very much to Cheryl & Mike Marrone for hull waxing, Sam Goldblatt for wet sanding and Larry Bissonnette for helping with boat projects and delivery.
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This photo from Block Island Steve
98TH CONANICUT YACHT CLUB AROUND THE ISLAND RACE
Great time on the water today and after at the CYC awards party. Third place finish in a class with 11 boats.
These pictures taken by Block Island Steve after the start of the Ida Lewis Distance Race.
Henry & Matt Trimming
Henry Trimming
Elena Trimming
The 2025 ILDR was a light air challenge for the Vento Solare crew. Pia, Elena & Henry made up 50% of the crew to qualify as a youth entry. They were joined by Peter, Matt & Bill. The crew was recognized at the awards ceremony with the 1st place Youth trophy and 3rd of 8 in the Coronet class.
Youth Trophy 1st place presented to Vento Solare crew
3rd of 8 boats in Coronet class
Tristan Mouligne captured this picture from the Class 40 Res Potentia on Saturday morning. Vento Solare is limping into Newport with the spinnaker wrapped around the headstay. This occurred when a letterbox douse was attempted the evening before while trying to round R32 off Gay Head, Marthas Vineyard. The spinnaker became badly wrapped around the headstay and jib while unfurling the jib for a letterbox douse. Sarah was hoisted up the mast 1/3 of the way in the dark to try and unwrap the spinnaker but was unsuccessful. Thus the decision was made to retire and motor back to Newport. We tied up to a mooring at Coasters Harbor and hoisted Sarah to the top. The spinnaker head was fouled under the headstay and caught on the upper swivel, preventing the furler from moving in either direction. Sarah disconnected the spinnaker halyard and was able to unwrap the spinnaker. Once that was done we were able to unwind the rest of the spinnaker without damage, and completely unfurl, then refurl the jib.