Cape Dory Boats

Starboard tack: Mystic racers follow Wild Horses

Wild Horses pranced on the outskirts of the fleet, showing off her big red spinnaker. Brer Rabbit III munched a little seaweed. And Looney Tunes told a few jokes.

Anticipation hovered in the light air on Saturday morning, July 16, as those three and 55 other racing sailboats waited for the wind to fill in so a slightly-delayed Mystic River Mudhead Sailing Association Benefit Cup regatta could get under way.

They wanted to race. They wanted to raise money for Hospice Southeastern Connecticut. And they wanted to celebrate it all afterward at a “Mega Party” at the Mystic Shipyard.

And that they did.

A race committee headed by Greg Gilmartin of West Mystic staged two races, with separate starts for each of eight classes. Spinnaker boats raced on a course beginning near Seaflower Reef off the Groton-New London Airport, while a single cruising canvas class started near Horseshoe Reef, off Groton Long Point.

And by last week, Hospice SECT had received $21,370, with more donations rolling in, according to Jeff Nelson, the organization’s director of community development.

Courtney Moore and Toby Halsey of Mystic from Team Patriot were awarded the Benefit Cup for top fundraising efforts for the third time in four years. A Hospice Cup went to Bill and Suzie Canning of Mystic, whose Melges 32, Wild Horses, had the day’s fastest time.

“Team Patriot has raised just over $4,000 but donations are still being made so I hope to reach the $5,000 mark, which was our goal,” said Moore, who along with Katie Abel and Maura Blaney headed planning for a post-regatta Mega Party, which featured music by the Rock ‘n Soul Revue, a 50/50 Lewmar winch-grinding competition, a Mystic Marine boat slip that went for a $2,500 donation, and regatta awards.

The results:

Class One (7 boats): Cannings, Wild Horses, first; Jim Ohlheiser, Canton, Conn., Balance, J-109, second; Paul van Maffei, Westbrook, Conn., Snowbird, Schock 35, third.

Class Two (6 boats): Peter and Meg Bergendahl, Noank, Eclipse, Melges 24, first; Chris and Vicki Field, Noank, Leda, Melges 24, second; Dave Nickerson and Moise Salomon, Noank, 3 Grins, Viper 640, third.

Class Three (10 boats): Carl and Val Fast, Noank, Looney Tunes, Santana 30-30, first; Toby Halsey, Mystic, Patriot, Baltic 39, second; Skip Hoffman, Ashaway, Wild Angel, Hunter Legend 35, third.

Cape Dory 31 Boats and Yachts for sale, photos, review ...

Cape Dory 31 is an unique boat built to last and handle everything you throw at it. Below in our directory you will find detailed description and information of 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 model plus photos, reviews, specifications, prices, charters and everything else you need to know about this fantastic boat for sale. Contact Cape Dory 31 Dealers, Brokers and Manufacturers directly and find a large selection of pontoon boats, aluminium boats, fishing boats , bass boats, speed boats and yachts for sale on Sacs Marine!

CARA is a delight! She is a classic design wrapped around all the desired accommodations, proper cutter rig and underbody fit for extended cruising. With a full keel (rudder attached) and draft of 4'9" she is directionally stable, easy to steer and can enjoy cruising areas other designs avoid. Her cutter rig is complete with furling jib and furling staysail, with staysail fitted with a club boom.

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