The 69th Sam Wetherill Overnight Race

May 21-22, 2021

  • From Old Saybrook light to Martha’s Vineyard and back, overnight

 

  • Perfect tune-up race to kick-start your sailing season

 

  • 140 nm that will challenge and exhilarate you.

 

  • This race will be scored under ORC and PHRF rules for mono-hulls, and the NEMA rule for multi-hulls

 

  • Great for double and shorthanded crews

 

  • ​Starts at maximum ebb time

 

  • Suits seasoned off-shore sailors - and aspiring distance racers

 

  • Qualifier for New England Lighthouse Series (PHRF)

 

  • Part of the Eastern Connecticut Sailing Association 2021 Series

 

 

To Enter the Race - Sign Up Now At YachtScoring.com

 
 

 
Tom"I am very excited about the changes that Essex Yacht Club has made to the Sam Wetherill Race. The new course maximizes what is best about the Block Island and Vineyard Races: distance outside of Long Island Sound. The majority of this race is likely to be sailed in stronger and more consistent wind than any of the races that originate in the western part of the Sound. The turning mark just off of Gay Head adds a whole new dimension to the Wetherill. Current in Vineyard Sound cannot be overlooked, and will be an important part of one's race strategy. There is a lot to like about this newly configured 140 mile course."
 

Tom Whidden
Past Commodore, EYC

 

Frank"As an avid distance racer, the Sam Wetherill Race is my favorite Essex Yacht Club race. As a veteran of multiple Bermuda races, the Wetherill race reminds me of a "mini" version of that challenging 635 mile premier race. The elements related to racing to Bermuda are the same elements related to doing well in the Wetherill race but over a shorter time frame. Sail fast thru the night, make good tactical decisions related to weather, current, sail selection, and crew and you are likely to do well. The new longer course will make this race even better. Hope to see you out there."
 

Frank Flores
Past Commodore and Race Participant

Bill Gunther"Several of us on the organizing committee have raced in both the Storm Trysail Block Island and Vineyard Races for many years. These are great races, but not very convenient for boats from Eastern Long Island Sound, Gardiners Bay, and the Newport area. The newly expanded 140 NM Sam Wetherill Race not only has the fun and challenge of exiting and reentering the Sound in strong current, but racers must also contend with the tidal flow of Buzzards Bay and Vineyard Sound. Most of this race is sailed in open water, which makes it an ideal tuneup race for those racing to Bermuda or Halifax this year."
 

Bill Gunther
Chair of Race Committee

A warm welcome from EYC

EYC Regatta Committee stands ready to welcome you and to help you find the best in local moorings and accommodation.  Depending on State Covid regulations - the whole Club is looking forward to hosting you at a lively awards ceremony and celebration on Sunday afternoon, May 23rd.  We will even undertake to find you some Longjohns, if necessary, since it is early in the season!

Email your questions to:
Chairman, Sam Wetherill Race at email@essexyc.com. 
Phone: Bill Gunther 203 809 1586.
 

Don't miss the chance to join this new, improved version of a much-loved race - Sign Up Today!

 
A Blue Ocean Dawn Photo: Courtesy of Doug Logan