Artist Kirk Larsen enjoyed a light wind start to summer with a race in the Shields class at the Seawanhaka Corinthian YC on Long Island Sound. Kirk enlightens us with a description of his Summer Sailstice start to the summer:
As an artist (that specializes in painting what I love-sailing) I was painting for a week at Mystic Seaport in Mystic CT leading into the summer solstice weekend. The last night there I left early to high tail it back to Long Island to sail with my Oyster Bay friends in the Shields class regional regatta, hosted by Seawanhaka Corinthian YC. The day started out very warm and very still, lacking a breeze at all. We got a tow a part of the way out of our mooring field. With little but the ebbing tide taking us toward the Long island sound and the race area several miles away I took to paddling and the crew took their turn. About 45 minutes into our slow boat to 32A a breeze began to show its face. The face smiled, got us out there and then disappeared for sometime while we went into postponement. Eventually the wind came in, although mild in the 3-5 knot range with some short periods of the race supporting us with 6-7 knots, and we were able to compete and tack and jibe into a mid-fleet finish. Larchmont took top honors with Seawanhaka taking second. The summer started with racing and the best part for me is Thursday evening Classic racing in Oyster Bay. Beautiful skies, nice wind and a jovial yet competitive atmosphere complete with two NY 30's (1905 Herreshoffs) a gorgeous Fife sloop named Clio from 1921 and Caper a 1957 56' Rhodes sloop make for a great time and a great summer. - Kirk Larsen
When we have an opportunity to check out the art of a sailor we have to take a look. We're glad we did, have a look at some of Kirk's art on his site.
Weight to leeward the fleet finds some traction on Oyster Bay
Just enought to keep the sails full and show signs of a bow wave.
Seawanhaka Corinthian YC Shields start the summer in light air and sunshine.
Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club on Oyster Bay.
