Sailboats

“More than just a sailboat … a way of life.” That’s the motto of the International Thunderbird Class Association.

“You don’t win the race at sea. You lose it at sea. You win the race during the preparation.”

Lucie, an International 6 Meter racing yacht designed by Clinton Crane and built by Henry B. Nevins in 1931, wears sail No. US55 and is a sight to behold as she slips through the water.

Marilee is one of six New York 40s still living, sailing and racing. The yachts of this class were the Duesenbergs of the sea, representing a high point in the Golden Age of Sail. Each remaining NY40 is precious.

Youth is wasted on the young. We’ve all heard George Bernard Shaw’s words but perhaps didn’t understand them until it was too late. Many years from now, this wisdom will be recalled by Henry Veitenhans, now 17 years old, and his mates River Yearian, 18, Sean Westlund, 18, and Malachi Church, 21, all of whom voyaged to Alaska aboard the good ship Johnny Horten.

No one heard the cork pop, but everyone on the floats witnessed the enthusiasm, rising like bubbles in a flute of freshly poured champagne.