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New York Yacht Club Women’s Championship Sets Sail for Second Edition June 28-30

The inaugural New York Yacht Club Women’s Championship for the Joan H. Towse Trophy in June 2022 was a resounding success, marked by intense competition and vibrant post-race camaraderie. The narrow margin of just eight points separating first from sixth place underscored the high level of skill and determination among the participants. The Club’s meticulously organized regatta, featuring a fleet of identical Sonar sailboats and a seasoned race committee, offered a bespoke racing experience that left a lasting impression on all involved.

As the championship adopts a biennial schedule, the true measure of its success lies in the return rate of its competitors. For the 2024 edition, eight of the top 10 finishers from 2022 are set to compete again, including defending champion Alie Toppa and her crew from the College of Charleston.

“Of the various sailing disciplines I’ve gotten into over the past couple of years, there’s nothing like the pure simplicity of fleet racing in one-design boats,” says Toppa. “The enjoyment of tough competition in a 20-boat fleet being run by a top-tier race committee is pretty hard to beat. The Women’s Championship is exactly that for me, so coming back to defend my title felt inevitable.”

The second edition of the New York Yacht Club Women’s Championship will feature 20 teams of four or five women from across the United States. The regatta, scheduled for June 28-30, will be sailed out of the New York Yacht Club Harbour Court in Newport, R.I. The event’s top prize, the Joan H. Towse Trophy, honors the memory of the passionate sailor and race committee member, Joan H. Towse, late wife of former New York Yacht Club Commodore Robert C. Towse Jr. This championship, along with other events like the Women’s 2v2 Team Race and the mixed-gender crew requirement for various races, reflects the New York Yacht Club’s dedication to increasing female participation in sailing. The Women’s Championship is proudly sponsored by Helly Hansen, Safe Harbour Marinas, Peters & May, and Hammetts Hotel.

Among the returning competitors is 2022 runner-up Erin Maxwell, a former 470 world champion. Despite her professional and family commitments, Maxwell and her team, named 11 Less Distractions, are eager to compete again.

“We really enjoyed the event, and Newport is a great venue for racing,” says Maxwell. “It was great to see so many competitive sailors at the event last time. Looking at the list for this year’s event, it might be an even stronger group.”

Maxwell’s team, unchanged from 2022, aims to improve their performance with increased familiarity and practice.

“Last time was the first time sailing together as a team, and we have done another event since then, enjoying sailing together and building our teamwork,” she adds. “Consistency will be key. A deep race in the last race was hard to recover from without a throwout, and that cost us winning the event.”

Similarly, Hannah Swett’s team, which finished third in 2022, is back with the same crew.

“We had the most fun reconnecting with sailing friends from the past; my whole team is committed again for this year,” says Swett. “I think the fleet looks even more competitive, if that’s even possible. We are very excited to go sailing!”

Helly Hansen, a decade-long partner of the New York Yacht Club Regatta Association, is enhancing its support for the 2024 Women’s Championship. Competitors will receive fleece and leggings, with the winning team awarded jackets. Additionally, Helly Hansen is offering raffle prizes at Saturday’s regatta dinner and a $3,000 gift certificate to the team recognized for sportsmanship, intended to support their club’s junior program or a designated youth sailing initiative.

“After the great results from the inaugural Women’s Championship, the team at Helly Hansen wanted to help in driving the strong momentum for its second iteration and fueling the next wave of female sailors with the junior program award as part of this,” says Brady Barry, Senior Marketing Director – North America for Helly Hansen. “We look forward to the robust competition come June in Newport!”

Summer Brake? Gas Prices Stationary at the Station

Racing begins on Narragansett Bay between Rose and Goat islands at 11 am on Friday, June 28, and continues through Sunday afternoon, culminating in awards and social events at the New York Yacht Club Harbour Court.

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New York Yacht Club

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New York Yacht Club

The mission of the New York Yacht Club is to attract and bring together a dedicated group of yachting and naval members to share and foster their interest in yachting and yacht racing; to sustain a leadership role in yachting, its history, its development, the preservation of its traditions, and the furtherance of good seamanship; to promote the highest form of Corinthian sportsmanship in national and international yachting forums and yacht racing competitions.

Stories from New York Yacht Club

On July 30, 1844, John Cox Stevens (1785-1857) and eight of his friends met aboard Stevens’ yacht Gimcrack, anchored off the Battery in New York Harbor. That afternoon, they established the New York Yacht Club (NYYC) and made three critical decisions that day: first, they elected Stevens as Commodore of the Club; second, they agreed to develop rules and regulations to govern the Club; and, third, they resolved to cruise to Newport, Rhode Island, initiating the enduring connection between the Club and New England. The Club’s young fleet of eight schooner yachts set sail from New York Harbor for Newport three days later, marking the Club’s first Annual Cruise. During the passage, they made stops at various ports on Long Island Sound and even held informal speed trials. Upon reaching Newport, the members met up with yachtsmen from Boston to socialize and engage in racing activities. On August 8, the Club hosted a fleet race around Conanicut Island, a popular racecourse today. The year that followed was a busy one for the Club. It adopted its Rules and Regulations, opened its first clubhouse and held its first Annual Regatta.

The New York Yacht Club held its first Annual Regatta–a fleet race for a prize cup–on July 17, 1845. Nine yachts started opposite the new clubhouse at 9 a.m. on the Hudson River. They sailed to a turning mark near Sandy Hook in the Lower Bay and returned—a 38-mile course. The yacht Cygnet won, earning fame as the first winner of North America’s longest-running sailing regatta. Today, the New York Yacht Club has its signature clubhouse, a National Historic Landmark, on West 44th Street in New York, and a waterfront clubhouse, Harbour Court, in Newport. The Club’s first clubhouse survives. It was installed on the grounds of Harbour Court in 1999, where it serves as a reminder of the Club’s origins.

The Club continues to run its Annual Regatta, presented by Rolex. The Club also hosts the biennial Rolex New York Yacht Club Invitational Cup, for international Corinthian sailors representing their yacht clubs and nations and the parallel event for U.S. yacht clubs, the Resolute Cup. The Club also hosts and participates in other national, North American and world championships.

rom 1884 to 1900, the clubhouse was a townhouse at 67 Madison Avenue. By 1898, it was chockablock with “models, members, and memorabilia,” according to the New York Daily Tribune. It was then that Commodore J. Pierpont Morgan stunned fellow members by announcing he would donate three lots on West 44th Street to build a new clubhouse. The building, brilliantly designed with nautical motifs by Whitney Warren, opened in 1901. It is famous for its Model Room and Library. The New York Times wrote of the clubhouse in 1906, “Except for the absence of motion, one might fancy oneself at sea.”

In 1987, the New York Yacht Club acquired Harbour Court, the former summer home of Commodore John Nicholas Brown, in Newport, creating a new energy and focus. The waterfront clubhouse opened in 1988 with 1,500 members and guests in attendance. In 2019, Harbour Court hosted the Club’s Dosquicentennial Celebration for members and friends to celebrate the Club’s 175 years of history.

The New York Yacht Club has hosted Race Week at Newport presented by Rolex since 1998 and many other regattas in recent years including world championships for the Etchells, J/70, Farr 40 and Melges 20 classes, the J Class Worlds, the Global Team Race Regatta, the Transatlantic Race, and the IC37 National Championships to name a few.

The Club is also highly active in team and match racing. In 2006, the Club purchased 14 Sonars in dedication of these activities. In 2014, the fleet was increased to 22 Sonars, and today, team racing at the New York Yacht Club offers some of the most intense competition in the country.

Since 2009 the New York Yacht Club has conducted the biennial Rolex New York Yacht Club Invitational Cup. After a successful decade of racing in the Swan 42, the eighth one-design class created by the New York Yacht Club since 1900, the Invitational Cup transitioned to using the Club’s fleet of 20 IC37 race boats in 2019. These purpose-built machines, combined with one-design sails from North Sails, identical gear and standardized rig tune, create a level platform for amateur big-boat racing. Yacht club teams worldwide and Corinthian (amateur) sailors flock to Newport to race in this competition. During the first Invitational Cup in 2009, 19 yacht club teams from 14 countries and four continents competed, and the New York Yacht Club emerged as the winner. Since 2009, more than 1,000 sailors, comprised of teams from more than 40 yacht clubs representing 21 countries and all six continents, have competed in at least one edition of the Rolex New York Yacht Club Invitational Cup.

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Volunteers bring well-honed skills to keep Newport Beach senior center buzzing

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Bringing their lifetimes of experience to the task, two retired Newport Beach residents are among the many volunteers who keep OASIS Senior Center humming throughout the year. And they maintain they reap great rewards for their unpaid work.

“Volunteering [at the center] makes me feel good and gives me purpose,” said Mike Zimmerman, president of Friends of OASIS, the support arm of the facility that raises thousands of dollars annually for its programs, special events and newsletter to augment the $3.7 million the city earmarks in its budget for the center. “I’m here to assist the senior population in the community.”

Before he retired, Zimmerman ran a sales and marketing business geared toward the automotive industry. His experience has served him well in his volunteer leadership role at OASIS.

“I’m a car enthusiast along with motorcycles and anything with an engine,” laughed Zimmerman. “I still enjoy sales and marketing.”

It’s no surprise then that the sixth annual car show, coming up on Sept. 14, was Zimmerman’s brainchild.

“When I eventually sold my business I couldn’t imagine myself here at OASIS,” said Zimmerman. “When people retire they look for things to do like golf, boating, lawn bowling, pickleball.”

Zimmerman’s philosophy on retirement is that one needn’t look too hard for a purpose. “You won’t find it, it will find you,” he said.

Zimmerman, who first discovered OASIS when he attended an exercise class there with his wife 10 years ago, said “I really looked, and boom, it found me,” said “I’ve been president of Friends of OASIS for six years and I’m here every day volunteering, putting in at least 20 hours a week.”

‘Beats any experience’

“I think Newport Beach has the best senior center in the United States, it beats any experience you’ve had,” said OASIS member Howard Herzog, a lifelong volunteer. “It’s amazing! Everyone is a volunteer. What an amazing place.”

In recognition for his support enriching the lives of seniors, a plaque presented in 1984 by the Board of Trustees of the Educational Alliance is proudly displayed on a wall in Herzog’s Newport Beach home.

“My job as trustee of the Wallace S. Whittaker Foundation within the Educational Alliance of New York City was to oversee the senior services, which is how I got involved with seniors,” said the New York native.

Herzog moved full time to Newport Beach in 1988 while continuing to maintain his insurance brokerage office in New York until its closure during the COVID-19 pandemic.

For nearly 30 years, Herzog has volunteered his services in a variety of Newport Beach organizations. The last three years his volunteer job has been treasurer for the Friends of OASIS.

“I organize finances, set up budgets and see that we don’t overspend,” Herzog said. “I’m also on the Newport Beach Civil Service Board, which is a volunteer position appointed by the City Council.” The board provides oversight and advice to the council, primarily addressing city personnel issues.

He has also served as a commissioner on the Newport Beach Arts Commission and was an integral part of forming the Newport Beach Arts Foundation.

Herzog’s list of qualifications is long. He is a CPA, a Chartered Global Management Accountant, an attorney and insurance investigator for the jewelry and fine arts industry. When he’s not volunteering, he works as a consultant with Jewelers Mutual insurance.

Although Zimmerman and Herzog bring to the table different backgrounds and credentials, it’s their common goal to build together a strong and effective community at the center, which sees up to 12,000 participants per month.

“This isn’t your mom and dad’s senior center,” said Zimmerman. “This is a corporation, a lot of things are happening here that did not happen a decade ago — computer technology, fundraising, concerts — all to try to get the community involved in all these facets. That’s our goal.”

Zimmerman said the Friends of OASIS membership currently totals about 3,500. “We are all volunteers in one sense or another,” he said. “Depending on the event, like the yearly rummage sale ... there are literally hundreds of volunteers that help.”

OASIS Senior Services Manager Melissa Gleason confirmed there are roughly 150 volunteers. “And, as Mike mentioned, this number increases due to the size of the event and the need for more help.”

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Events, entertainment and things to do at Cowes Week 2024

There'll be plenty to enjoy when Cowes Week 2024 returns on Saturday (July 27).

More than 500 boats, racing in over 30 different classes, are set to take part in the world's longest running regatta.

As well as the sailing, usual live music and entertainment, visitors will be treated to a number of other events shoreside.

High Street during Cowes Week in 2023 (Image: IWCP)

Events get underway shoreside a day early, from Friday, July 26.

• This year's official Cowes Week programme has been produced in association with the County Press.

Cowes High Street

Throughout the week, from 11am – 6pm, you can find fun for everyone at various locations throughout the High Street, with music, entertainers, face painting and glitter tattoos.

Next to the main stage will be a big screen where you can stay updated with the racing.

The Crew Bar and Cocktail and Wine Lounge will be open from 10pm to 11pm every day and will offer a large seating area with views of the stage, big screen and across the Solent.

Northwood House

The venue’s popular Lawn Bar will be open from lunchtime until late, with its relaxed and upbeat vibe.

The ticketed Cowes Week Opening Party on Saturday (July 27) is sold out, but there will also be a free afternoon concert at 4.30pm on Sunday (July 28) with Utmost Elton, a leading tribute act in the UK circuit.

On Wednesday (July 30), you can join the party with a concert performance by Ultra 90s vs 2000s Experience, playing dance hits with a live seven-piece band. 

Tribute band and festival crowd-pleasers Chic to Chic will visit the Island on Friday (August 2) to play a set of disco and funk mega-hits from Chic and Nile Rogers. Admission is free before 8pm with a wristband you can get from the venue across the week.

On Sunday (July 28) and Thursday (August 1), there is an opportunity to take part in family tree climbing experiences from midday.

Range Rover - Official Vehicle of Cowes Week

As the Official Vehicle of Cowes Week, Range Rover is offering an exciting driving experience at Cowes Yacht Haven. 

Using obstacles to demonstrate its off-road capability and technology, come and see for yourself what a Range Rover is capable of. 

Adults and children can all join for the ride and get a view of the Cowes Week regatta from a different angle!

Land Rover owners can also access complimentary refreshments on the display of their keyfob, and four-legged friends are also treated to snacks and a refreshing drink.

Cowes Parade

Throughout the week, various activities, entertainment and live music will take place on The Parade. 

The New Carnival Company will hold free workshops and the Starlight Academy U12 Show Team and Theatretrain will perform on Sunday (July 28), 

Live music will be played on The Parade everyday. 

The Parade during Cowes Week in 2023 (Image: IWCP)

Women's Day

Tuesday (July 30) is Women's Day at Cowes Week to highlight the important impact that women already have in the world's biggest keelboat regatta.

To celebrate women in maritime, Tall Ships Youth Trust (TSYT) are hosting a Women's Day Panel from 12pm - 2pm at the Island Sailing Club. 

The panel represents two decades of inspirational women whose maritime journeys started with them.

The panellists include active volunteers, global navigators, history-making captains and more. 

These trailblazing women will share their lived experiences and talk about how TSYT helped kick-start their maritime journeys.

Live entertainment at Cowes pubs, bars and restaurants

Various pubs and venues dotted around Cowes and the seafront are putting on live entertainment throughout the week.

Venues include Cowes Yacht Haven, The Globe, The Anchor, The Fountain, The Duke of York, Commodore's House and Foresters Hall.

Cowes Yacht Haven during Cowes Week in 2023 (Image: IWCP)

Mount Gay Red Cap Party

Mount Gay will again host their infamous Red Cap Party on Thursday (August 1) at the Event Centre on Cowes Yacht Haven.

The first 200 Rum enthusiasts through the door will receive a much-coveted Mount Gay red cap. 

The party, with a Caribbean vibe, will start at 8pm and is free and exclusive to all competitors, which will be brought to town by a DJ providing the music until 1am.

Holy Trinity Church

The Holy Trinity Church, behind the Royal Yacht Squadron, will hold its Cowes Week Service at 6.15pm on Sunday (July 28) celebrating the 200th anniversary of the RNLI.

Follow The Trail - Light The South 

Light the South 2024, a national arts trail of original Lighthouse sculptures, has arrived in Cowes and East Cowes, with impressive artworks to look out for during Cowes Week.

Each Lighthouse sculpture stands at a whopping eight feet tall and carries a totally unique design. 

Each one is an original work of art, designed and hand-painted by one of many talented artists involved in the trial.

Alongside several giant sculptures, in place between Cowes Parade and the Red Funnel East Cowes Terminal, visitors can look forward to a display of mini-lighthouses and activities in the high street. 

These "Little Lights" have been designed and decorated by children from five Island schools: St Catherine's School in Ventnor, St George's School in Newport, Cowes Enterprise College, and Godshill Primary School.

There will also be an exhibition of nine professional artists "Little Lights" - a series of smaller sculptures hand painted as miniatures of designs along the main trail. 

These will be on display at the Sir Max Aitken Museum at Cowes Week between July 27 and August 2. 

Cowes Week 2024 Overall Prize Giving and Closing Party

The Overall Prize Giving will once again be held at 7.30pm on Friday (August 2) in the Event Centre at Cowes Yacht Haven, with first, second and third overall prizes presented to all classes, plus the Black and White Group Overall and the Regatta overall winner.

After a busy week out on the water, competitors can wind down at the Cowes Week Closing Party.

The party starts at 10pm, and entry will be with a competitor wristband, which can be picked up from the Cowes Week Regatta Office.

DJ Mark Covell will be back on the decks.