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07/17/2013 12:00 AMThe Madison Beach Club (MBC) is proud to host the 84th Atlantic National Sailing Championship regatta from Thursday, July 18 through Saturday, July 20.
The MBC is no stranger to hosting regattas. In years past, it has hosted the Lightning Districts, Blue Jay Nationals, Connecticut State Optimist Championship, and the Atlantic Invitational Regatta. These championships are made possible by the efforts of the greater MBC membership and community.
The Atlantic sailboat is a classic 30-foot keelboat, designed in 1929 by Starling Burgess for club racing and fast sailing. The Atlantic Class Association will celebrate its 85th Anniversary in 2014. In anticipation of this milestone, John Rousmaniere, the author of 29 books on sailing and yachting history, has been commissioned to write a book on the history of the class. He will be in attendance at MBC during the regatta to interview legendary sailors of the Atlantic class and to experience the class traditions firsthand.
Ken Legler will be the Principal Race Officer. A renowned college sailing coach and former All-American sailor, Legler is widely recognized as one of the finest professionals in the United States. His on-the-water race management skills, along with daily briefings, will ensure the best possible scenario for the Atlantic Nationals.
Currently there are five active Atlantic fleets sailing out of the Madison Beach Club, such as: Cold Spring Harbor Beach Club in Cold Spring Harbor, New York; Cedar Point Yacht Club in Westport; Niantic Bay Yacht Club in Niantic; and Kollegewidgwok Yacht Club in Blue Hill, Maine.
The battle on the water will be well fought, with many champions from previous years including Norm Peck, Jr. from Niantic Bay Yacht Club (winner of the 2010 Atlantic National Sailing Championship and a 15-time Atlantic National Champion), 2011 Champion Ian Evans from Kollegewidgwok YC, and defending 2012 champion Norm Peck III from Niantic Bay YC.
With 31 boats expected, these past champions will have plenty of competition. MBC is encouraging all to come out and spend some time viewing these magnificent boats as they race to become the 2013 Atlantic National Champion. Spectators can enjoy watching the races from land at one of the town beaches or the Madison Beach Hotel. For more information contact Sarah Davidson at sarahdson@gmail.com, or visit the Atlantic Class Association website at atlanticclass.org. Information courtesy of Sarah Davidson