Look Ahead to Newport

With Dragon and Gryphon Solo 2 tied for 1st place heading into the Inshore Series, the teams shared with us their strategies going into the weekend. Inshore Racing will take place on Saturday and Sunday, May 24-25th, from 12pm-4pm at Fort Adams.

“This is the hardest part of the entire event but I’m psyched for it. The points are tight and if we can go out and send it the first race and win it we’ll be in a good place.” Rob Windsor, #54 Dragon

“It’s all going to come down to the execution, the fleet is just too good. The team that makes the fewest mistakes will win and we plan to be that team.” Mike Hennessy, #54 Dragon

“With only 5 boats we’re definitely going to be match racing [with Dragon]; keeping ourselves between them and the mark will be key.” Pat O’Connor, #106 Gryphon Solo 2

“We’ve been told there’s a matched set of tires on this boat.” Jeffrey MacFarlane, #116 Jeffrey MacFarlane.com

“This boat won last years inshore racing; we know it can perform we just have to continue our hot streak.” Jake Arcand, #116 JeffreyMacFarlane.com

“We have a really strong inshore crew and we like our upwind performance against the other boats. There are 20 points available this weekend – we’d like to get a lions share of those.” Ed Cesare, #39 Pleiad Racing

“We’ve finally got some training in and are looking forward to getting out there and showing our stuff.” Kyle Hubley, #25 Flatline

“We have zero expectations, we are going to go out there and see what happens.” Frederic De Mesel, #25 Flatline

Current Standings

NEWPORT FEATURED EVENTS May 19th-25th: Stop by and check out the fleet at the Newport Shipyard From May 19th to 25th the Atlantic Cup comes back to Newport for the 4th time! Join us as we welcome the fleet taking part of the largest and only Class40 race in the United States. The final in-shore series of the race will be held over Memorial Day weekend from 12pm-4pm on May 24th and 25th. Plus for the very first time in the USA, the IMOCA 60 fleet and the Class 40 fleet will be together at the Newport Shipyard. The IMOCA 60s will be preparing for the NY-BCN race and the Class 40s will be in for the Inshore Series. Both classes of boats are the top of the sport in terms of short-handed offshore racing so this will be a great opportunity to check out these powerful racing machines. May 22nd – 7pm Shipyard Shorts: A Collection of Adventure & Eco Docs In partnership with newportFILM, we are showing a shorts selection of Slomo, North of the Sun & Chasing Water Libations courtesy of Spiked Seltzer & PBR, Appetizers by Jamestown Fish + Opportunity to meet & greet with the Atlantic Cup skippers & tour the AC boats + Sunset film screening. For tickets and more information, click here. May 23rd – 6pm Newport Skipper Party at Jamestown FiSH Friday, May 23rd, New England Winner of the 2014 Food & Wine People’s Best New Chef, Executive Chef Matthew MacCartney and Jamestown FiSH hosts the Atlantic Cup teams for a Memorial Day Weekend Kick Off Party! A perfect way to start your long weekend with an opportunity to meet the teams, have a drink and bite to eat all on the beautiful back patio at Jamestown FiSH starting at 6pm. Inshore racing in Narragansett Bay takes place Saturday, May 24th and Sunday, May 25th from 12pm to 4pm.  The start and Jamestown FiSH finish line for all races will be just off the north lawn of Fort Adams, making that the best place to watch the action. Pack a picnic and enjoy a weekend of sailing. With live commentary and volunteers keeping you up to date you won’t miss any of the action. May 25th – 6pm Prize Giving at The Landing The prize giving party is Sunday, May 25th from 6pm – 8pm at The Landing in downtown Newport. We will be set up outside adjacent to the Landing and in front of the Lobster Bar. PBR, Spiked Seltzer and Keel Vodka drink specials will be served to celebrate the conclusion of the 4th Atlantic Cup presented by 11th Hour Racing. The event is free and open to the public.