2022

Scratch Sheet
Entrants
Sailing Instructions
Notice of Race

Notes

Early Saturday morning was quite cool with temps in the high 40s F, cloudy and even a little rain early. The breeze was initially 10-15 knots from the NW, forecast to shift W. Around Point Judith as the sun came out things got light and shifty, varying between W and SW and maybe 5-12 knots.

The beautiful custom 58′ yawl Caroler was kind enough to carry the grill out for us. They were too kind to say so, but there’s little doubt it was the extra weight of the grill that led them to motor in 😉

Weather on the island was beautifully sunny for the most part, although cooler than typical with temps in the low 50s F overnight, maybe reaching 60 during the days. Saturday night was breezy, around 20 knots from the NNW which made for rough sleeping from the waves at Paynes. Sunday afternoon the wind was W, 10-15 knots. Sunday night was much calmer. Monday was again sunny, with a SW wind, 10-15 knots, gusts of 20.

Class 1

Class 2

Class 3

Hors-d’oeuvre Contest

Taste

1. Persistence
2. Goat Rodeo
3. Aurora

Presentation

1. Pau Hana
2. Dark Star
3. Coconut

Bloody Mary Contest

1. Pau Hana
2. Caroler
3. Persistence
4. Dark Star

2021

Mark Nannini, Judy Mitchell, and Clif Payne judge the hors d’oeuvre contest

Results
Scratch Sheet
Entrants

Notes

Windswept sailed single-handed, again.

11 boats started out of 19 registered and all 11 boats made it to Block Island in very fast times with the wind out of the East at 17 to 25 knots. Boats were finishing around 3 hours; within a narrow range of 1213 to 1245.

Sunday was cloudy with the winds still out of the East with the high temps in the mid 60s. The Bloody Mary contest was held at it’s normal time of 1100 but the hors d’oeuvre contest was moved to noon with the awards right after. This was done since everyone was heading back on Sunday due to the NE dire forecast for Monday. Only 3 entries were submitted for the Bloody Mary contest however we had quite a gathering for the hors d’oeuvre contest with Salacia submitting 3 entries. Everyone was gone by 2pm on Sunday.

Cliff Mitchell Trophy

For the closest (to third) fourth-place finish: Pula, Robert Francis

Team Trophy

Fly (Cirrus, Pau Hana, Alliance)

Hors-d’oeuvre Contest

Taste

1. Alliance
2. Salacia
3. Floating Point

Presentation

1. Vento Solare
2. Salacia
3. Salacia

Bloody Mary Contest

Taste: Vento Solare
Presentation: Salacia
Mimosas: Alliance

2020 Not held due to COVID-19

2019

Results
Scratch Sheet
Entrants

Notes

The two days, Thursday & Friday, leading up to the start on Saturday had high winds and sea states especially at New Harbor where winds were regularly at 40 knots gusting to 50 out of the North East. The predictions for Saturday were for decreasing winds and sea state so we delayed the start by 3 hours to noon on Saturday. The winds were out of the North and North West all the way to Block Island. Initially winds gusting to around 20 kts and calming down to 10-12 knots by the fleet reached the 1BI buoy. The waves had a long period and were not a problem at all. Up to 1BI the boats were sailing on beam reach to broad reach but after 1BI the sail was dead down wind where most boats were poling out. Pulling into Payne’s Dock went smooth.

Two boats sailed single-handed; Windswept and Highlander (both Bermuda One-Two skippers).

15 boats started out of 22 registered however 16 boats made it to Block Island since Bamboozler sailed directly to BI from their home port.

Sunday was a nice sunny day with the high in the mid 60s. A bunch of boats left for home today leaving 9 boats to leave on Monday.

Monday ended up being extremely light out of the N so we (Floating Point) motored all the way to Newport in cloudy conditions until arriving in Newport into sunny clear skies.

Cliff Mitchell Trophy

For the closest (to third) fourth-place finish: Ursa Major, David Saunders

Team Trophy

The Team “HPV” (Highlander, Vento Solare, Persistance)

Hors-d’oeuvre Contest

Small turnout

Taste

1. Vento Solare
2. Persistence

Presentation

1. Floating Point
2. Pau Hana

Bloody Mary Contest

Small turnout also

1. Pau Hana
2. Persistence
3. Floating Point

2018

Results
Scratch Sheet
Entrants

Notes

There was light NE wind veering to SE during the race.  Some started on Port and some started on Starboard but all by Castle Hill were on Port tack all the way to the finish. 22 boats finished out of 23 starting. Amadeus V, Jay Turchetta, was the first boat to finish at 2:08 pm. Surprise (Pearson Triton), Michael Garriston, was the last boat to finish at 4:14 pm.  The weather was pretty nice; warm, sun out off and on and very nice sailing.

Sunday initially was mild and breezy out of the SW and cloudy initially. The sun came out with the dying breeze in the afternoon. Activities were all held outside at Payne’s Dock as usual.  Again several boats decided to head back on Sunday due to the semi dire forecast for Monday.

Again we had a tremendous turnout for the Bloody Mary contest (7 entries) as well as the hors d’oeuvre contest (8 entries).  Brian Clayton was again the MC at the Awards.

The trip back on Monday was in a NE breeze starting out around 15-19 kts and started gradually calming between 1BI and Pt Judith dying to 5 knots when we reached Beavertail.  There was no sunshine and it was rather chilly.  However we sailed all the way to Beavertail then powered the rest of the way.

It was a very good weekend out on the Block.  I was in shorts on Sunday!

Cliff Mitchell Trophy

For the closest (to third) fourth-place finish: Drift Away – Bob Kemp

Team Trophy

The team “Race To The Oar” ( Amadeus, Persistence, Kestral) won.

Hors-d’oeuvre Contest

Again we had an amazing turnout of about 8 entries.

Taste

1. Persistence
2. Kaylarah
3. Whalayed

Presentation

1. Pau Hana
2. Floating Point
3. BI RI

Bloody Mary Contest

Great turnout also with 7 entries.

1. Floating Point
2. Whalayed
3. Invictus

2017

Results
Scratch Sheet
Entrants

Notes

There was no wind and pea soup fog!  We delayed one hour and fortunately the fog cleared however we had light winds to Pt. Judith and 10-15 kts after that to the finish (not exactly great conditions for Floating Point who carried the beer keg (and ice), grill, trophies, shirts, speaker, etc.).  We started out on Port tack and stayed on Port for quite a while but as we approached Pt. Judith the wind went right and we had to tack to make Pt. Judith and the finish. 14 boats finished out of 21 starting. Coconut, William Pearson,was the first boat to finish at 3:45 pm. Gypsea, Debra Lambert, was the last boat to finish at 6:37 pm.  The weather was pretty nice; warm, sun out off and on and very nice sailing.

Sunday was very breezy but mild again with a short rain shower around noon so the activities were all held outside at Payne’s Dock.  Again several boats decided to head back on Sunday due to the dire forecast for Monday however, again, the boats had serious wind and rain getting back.  At least the wind was from behind!

We had a tremendous turnout for the Bloody Mary contest (8 entries) as well as the hors d’oeuvre contest (10 entries).  Brian Clayton was again the MC at the Awards.

We, Floating Point, were the last to leave Payne’s on Monday.  Everyone was leaving early due to the prediction of heavy winds later in the day and rain also.  The wind was out of the SW for  the whole trip about 11 to 19 kts.  Didn’t really start raining until we got to Castle Hill and that was just a shower.  So the trip back was very comfortable.

 It was a very good weekend out on the Block.  I was in shorts and sandals the whole time!

Cliff Mitchell Trophy

For the closest (to third) fourth-place finish: Pieces of Eight – Jonah Israelit

Team Trophy

After using a tie breaker the team “Team HPV” ( High Energy, Vento Solare & Persistence) won.

Hors-d’oeuvre Contest

Again we had an amazing turnout of about 10 entries.

Taste

1. Dark & Porky
2. Coconut
3. Gypsea

Presentation

1. Landing at Block Island
2. Scallop/Shrimp Cheesecake
3. Floating Crabs

Bloody Mary Contest

Great turnout also with 8 entries.

1. Suhr la Mer
2. Summer Winds
3. Oceana Bow

Honorable Mention: Pau Hana!

2016

Results
Scratch Sheet
Entrants

Notes

There was absolutely no wind so we delayed the start 30 minutes to 9:30 am and were then able to start.  We had 28 boats sign up; 3 power boats and one sailboat, Green Flash, that wasn’t going to race out but went out early. 18 boats started in winds from the east to south east.  Some had to jibe several times approaching 1BI; some didn’t. 14 boats finished.  Persistence, Kate Wilson, was the first boat to finish at 2:05 pm.  Three Sheets, Brian Choiniere, was the last boat to finish at 2:37 pm.  So it was a fairly tight finish.  Godzilla finished at 2:32 pm, 18 minutes behind Floating Point!  Saturday was a fairly nice day with the sun out several times and temperatures in the 60s and winds 10-12 mostly with lighter winds on the start and finish.  Judy Mitchell met us after arriving at Payne’s dock.

Sunday was another matter.  It started raining during the early morning and rained all day till about midnight.  The forecast was ugly for Sunday, rain and winds into the 30s by the afternoon, and Monday sunny with still strong winds abating in the afternoon.  Several boats decided to leave Sunday morning thinking they would get most of the way home before the serious wind started.  However the winds picked up out of the NE almost instantaneously around 9:30 am in the mid 20s and puffs into the 30s.  The boats heading home had a tough ride and some had to put into another port to wait out the blow.  We spent a lot of time retying up the boats due to the new wind.  Most people that stayed went to various pubs (Vento Solare, Floating Point, Pau Hana, Green Flash were at the Oar) to watch the Patriots play (Brady’s first game) and to get out of the rain.

Cliff Payne let us use one of his small buildings for our activities so the Bloody Mary, hors d’oeuvre contests and Awards were held inside – not quite on schedule due to tying up the boats and waiting for the Patriot’s game to finish.  However they were held with the results below. Brian Clayton was unable to make it out so Pat Clayton was the MC at the Awards.  Judy Mitchell handed out the trophies at the Awards.

Most of those that were still there Monday left starting around 11 am when the winds had abated to highs in the low 20s.  We, Floating Point, had a wonderful sail once out of the entrance to New Harbor (quite the waves there with that NW wind) and were able to sail on port tack all the way to Newport in just 3 hrs 15 minutes with the sun shining (whereas Godzilla took 6 hours to get to Newport and Ursa took 9 hours to get to NEB on Sunday).  It was a good choice on our part in staying on Block Island till Monday.  Green Flash waited till Tuesday to head home.

Even with the crummy weather I think the event worked out quite well.  It was wonderful to see those that stayed and participated in the contests and awards.

Cliff Mitchell Trophy

For the closest (to third) fourth-place finish: Pieces of Eight – Jonah Israelit

Team Trophy

The team “Kallusion” (Kaylarah 3rd, Illusion 3rd and Amadeus V 2nd) collected 8points for a close win.

Hors-d’oeuvre Contest

In the Taffy building at Payne’s and filled it up with around 6 entries.  Again it was amazing the amount of participation in this event.

Taste

1. Green Flash
2. Vento Solare
3. Amadeus
4. Pau Hana

Presentation

1. Persistance

Bloody Mary Contest

1. Pau Hana
2. Persistance
3. Vento Solare

2015

Results
Scratch Sheet
Entrants

Notes

We had 26 entrants 25 of which actually raced to Block Island.  Of these 19 boats finished, 5 didn’t finish (turned their motors on to get to Payne’s Dock) and one Retired After Finishing (cut inside 1BI). One boat didn’t start but ended up at Payne’s dock anyways. We started in 15-19 kts out of the NE so we had a downwind run until we got near 1BI where the wind died down and went right enough we were tacking to get to the finish.  The scene at 1BI was amazing; it seemed all the boats arrived there at about the same with a very strong current against us.  It seemed to take forever to get past 1BI.  There was a lot of tacking to get to the finish line with amazing wind shifts and one could make big gains as well as big losses (Pau Hana).

The weather out to Block Island was a little cool but pretty nice. Out to 1BI the winds went from 15-19 kts to about 12 kts then very light to the finish.  It was a longer race this time with boats taking around 5.5 hours to finish.

Payne’s Dock seemed to be a little fuller than in the past so it looked very occupied once we all got settled in.

The weather while out on the Block was just wonderful; comfortable and sunny during the day and a little cool at night.  Some of us went globe hunting at Rodman’s Hallow on Sunday morning with no luck.  The Bloody Mary contest and hors d’oeuvre contests (14 entrants) were held on Sunday followed by the awards presided over by Brian Clayton.

Besides the race finish trophies, Team and Cliff Mitchell Trophies a few additional were recognized with additional trophies: Last to finish – Betelgeuse, Peter Hayden; Choke Award – Godzilla, Peter Jencks; first to turn the motor on (of the DNFs) – Perfect Summer, Tom Malott; Invictus, Chris Sheldon for acknowledging his cutting the only mark on the course, 1BI.

A few boats left Sunday in a SW breeze due to work requirements on Monday.  The rest left Payne’s Dock on Monday with a perfect blue sky and very comfortable temperatures and with a SW breeze of about 12 kts.  Floating Point flew the big white spinnaker all the way to Beavertail, Jamestown passing Godzilla, again, on the way to Newport.

Thanks to Artistic Embroidery for additional trophies.  Thanks to Cliff and Lyle for allowing us into their docks and helping us dock.  Also thanks to the staff of Stefan Nassaney at the Newport Yacht Club.

Cliff Mitchell Trophy

For the closest (to third) fourth-place finish: Pau Hana – Dave Wilson

Team Trophy

The team “Blew-By-You” (High Maintenance 2nd, Dark Star 1st and Coconut 1st) collected 4 points for an easy win.

Hors-d’oeuvre Contest

In the sun we set up on the Mahogany Shoals bar on Payne’s and filled it up with around 14 entries.  Again it was amazing the amount of participation in this event.

Taste

1. Swept Away
2. Perfect Summer
3. Persistance

Presentation

1. Coffin with hors d’oeuvre inside presented with bag pipes (Pau Hana)
2. Floating Point
3. Sails Call IV

Bloody Mary Contest

1. Sails Call IV
2. Super Chloe
3. Dark Star

2014

Mitchell Columbus Day Regatta 2014 Awards

Results
Scratch Sheet
Entrants

Notes

We had 33 entered; 31 sailboats and 2 power boats. The power boats went out to Block Island on Friday.  The rest minus 5 that didn’t start went out Saturday in rain and a NNE breeze that started light around 8 knots and built to 18-26 knots by Block Island.  26 boats started and 24 finished however all 26 made it out to Block Island.

The weather for the trip to Block Island was in the 50s, raining mostly lightly and winds starting out light around 8 knots out of the NNE building as we got closer to Block Island to 18-26 knots.  It was another sleigh ride with the boats making it out there in 3 to 4 hours.

Payne’s dock was again quite empty when we arrived so we were spread out with about 4 boats out on moorings.  The NNE winds calmed down a little but stayed till Sunday around 1pm when they started to die down and clock around to the SE. The rain on Block Island quit around 2pm and was cloudy until Sunday which was wonderful; sunny and around 60.

There were about 7 entries for the Bloody Mary contest and around 20 entries for the hors d’oeuvre contest so there was plenty of food to eat.

Brian Clayton presided over the trophy ceremony.

A few boats left on Sunday but most of the boats waited till Monday to head home in a SE wind!

Thanks to Artistic Embroidery for the Team Trophy and additional keepers.  Thanks to Newport Storm for the keg of beer for the weekend.  Thanks to Cliff and Lyle for allowing us into their docks and helping us dock.

Cliff Mitchell Trophy

For the closest (to third) fourth-place finish: Sage – Tom Robinson

Team Trophy

The team “Floating Star in Paradise” (Floating Point 2nd, Dark Star 1st and Paradise 1st) collected 3 points for an easy win.

Hors-d’oeuvre Contest

In the sun we set up on the Mahogany Shoals bar on Payne’s and filled it up with around 15 entries.  Again it was amazing the amount of participation in this event.

Taste

1. Floating Point
2. Perfect Summer
3. Blocked Island (Pau Hana)

Presentation

1. Blocked Island (Pau Hana)
2. Floating Point
3. A Cut Above

Bloody Mary Contest

1. Sage
2. A Cut Above
3. Endless Summer

2013

Mitchell Columbus Day Regatta 2013 Awards

Results
Entrants
Notice of Race

Notes

We had 30 entered.  Three didn’t start and one went out early (Sage) even though it was their conditions. 26 boats started and 26 boasts finished.

The weather for the trip to Block Island was 60ish, cloudy and increasing winds of 12 at the start up to 28 by the time we got to Block Island out of the North East.  It was a sleigh ride with boats making it out there in around 3 hours.

Payne’s dock was quite empty when we arrived so we were all spread out and had the place pretty much to ourselves. Interestingly but obviously all the boats were facing East due to the wind which stayed until Sunday afternoon.

The rest of Saturday was cloudy.  Sunday morning was sunny for the Bloody Mary contest but clouds came in around noon and the winds died down in time for the hors d’oeuvre contest and awards.  Cliff Payne let us put the food between buildings to get out of the wind.  No one was complaining.

The Patriot’s game was at 4pm so some folks went into town to watch the game but they left too early thinking the Patriots lost due to an interception of Brady and didn’t see the comeback victory by the Patriots with 5 seconds left in the game.

Only a few boats left Sunday ( I would assume mostly due to the very strong NE winds).  On Monday the wind was on the nose however very light and thus the motor was used by most all the way home (4 hour trip back).

Team Trophy

The team “Stress Free Hunting” (Illusion 1st, Paradise 1st, & Inis Free 3rd) collected 5 points for an easy win.

Hors-d’oeuvre Contest

It had been very windy so we set up between the buildings to be in the lee of a building.  Again a wonderful turnout; it is amazing the participation in this contest.

Taste

1. Thunder
2. Haraka
3. Swept Away

Presentation

1. Floating Point
2. Inis Free
3. Godzilla & Pau Hana

Bloody Mary Contest

Taste: Paradise
Presentation: A Cut Above
Combined: Sage

2012

Results
Entrants
Notice of Race

Notes

We had 37 entered.  Some didn’t start due to the weather forecast. 32 boats started and 22 boasts finished.

The weather for the trip to Block Island was pretty good and mild however the wind was SW the whole way 12-20 kts until you got close to Block Island where the wind jumped to 20-25 kts for a frantic finish.

Payne’s dock was quite empty when we arrived so we were all spread out and had the place pretty much to ourselves.

The rest of Saturday was nice but still windy and mild.  During the night the temperature dropped into the 50s.  Sunday morning was sunny for the Bloody Mary contest but clouds came in around noon but the winds died down.  Light rain came in by the hors d’oeuvre contest.  Cliff Payne let us put the food indoors and we ate out under umbrellas or overhangs.  No one was complaining.  The awards followed again while light rain came down.

The Patriot’s game was at 4pm so some folks went into town to watch the game but others went to a rented hotel room to view the game in comfort.

Quite a few boats left Sunday.  With the wind on the nose and very little wind the motor was used all the way home.

Cliff Mitchell Trophy

For the closest (to third) fourth-place finish: Adventure – Robert Bibeault

Team Trophy

The team “Hemp” ran away with the trophy this year.  The boats Pau Hana, Haraka and Esprit collected 5 points for an easy win.

Hors-d’oeuvre Contest

It was sprinkling at the time so Cliff Payne let us put the food indoors.  Again a wonderful turnout.

Taste

1. Swept Away
2. Adventure
3. Raven

Presentation

1. Esprit
2. Thunder
3. Adventure

Bloody Mary Contest

1. A Cut Above

2011

Results
Entrants
Notice of Race

Notes

Of 34 boats registered 2 went out on Friday, 30 started.  The 2 that didn’t start came out anyways.  3 boasts did not finish.

One of the boats that did not finish, Mahi Mahi a Person 30, had a chain plate let loose North of Pt. Judith and lost the top of their mast.  No one was hurt and they motored back to Newport.

The weather was beautiful. The wind started out right away out of the SW but around 10 kts.  So we were tacking out of Narragansett Bay.  The wind and the seas picked up as the fleet approached Pt. Judith. The winds hit 18 kts but very lumpy seas. The wind and seas calmed down as the fleet approached 1BI to around 13 kts and the fleet finished in comfortable seas.

The weather on Block Island was exceptional; sunny, almost no clouds, in the high 70s and little wind.

Some boats left Sunday morning but most stayed till Monday.  We sailed back under spinnaker till just before Beaver Tail then started the motor due to light winds.

Team Trophy

There was a tie for first place again with the tie breaker going to the team “Pair of Dark Nuts” which was made up of Paradise, Dark Star and Coconut.

Hors-d’oeuvre Contest

There were so many presenters that the tables were full and we had to put some on the benches.  Wonderful turnout.

Taste

1.  
2. Pau Hana

Presentation

1. Adventure
2.  
3.  

2010

Results
Entrants
Notice of Race

Notes

Of 38 boats scheduled to start (there were 2 power boats also) 35 boats started and 34 finished.  The wind was mostly out of the NW with periods lighter than others.  Given the reaching conditions it was difficult for the bigger boats to pass the smaller boats however some did well; Paradise, Hunter 44, passed all and finished first in fleet.  Floating Point never made it to the starting line; the transmission broke before they even got out of the harbor.  Brian Clayton drove down to the ferry and was able to take his vehicle on the ferry with the trophies and shirts.  The weather was very nice on the whole weekend if not a little bit cool though and wind pretty much all the time.

Most people thought the new finish line, rounding the R2 Bell to starboard, was a good modification.

Team Trophy

There was a tie for first place between Team Paradise (Dark Star, Paradise and Coconut) and Team Frou-Frou (Godzilla, Nepenthe and Counterpoint).  However the award went to Team Paradise due to the tie breaker and thus got the booze.

Hors-d’oeuvre Contest

Taste

1. Haraka
2. Homeward Bound IV
3. Elixir “Cowboy Caviar”

Presentation

1. Esprit “Esprinini”
2. Homeward Bound IV
3. Sage

2009

Results
Entrants
Notice of Race

Notes

Monday 10/12 – We had a COLD ride back to Newport.

Sunday 10/11 – The weather was again nice however the temperature started to go down in the afternoon and the wind picked up quite a bit until early morning.

Saturday 10/10 – 34 boats started and 34 finished fast.  It was basically starboard tack all the way out.  The weather was very nice on the way out and after we arrived to Payne’s Dock.

2008

Results
Notice of Race

Notes

Monday 10/13 – The return leg started out with a westerly, died and switched to the N.

Saturday 10/11 – 35 boats started for Block Island in beautiful weather.  Two cruise liners came in during the start.  The wind started out of the N and NW until boats were around Pt. Judith and the Narragansett shore where the wind went dormant.  The wind switched to the S or SE and boats congrigated around 1BI.  The wind was really light at the finish line and the wind shifts were impressive coming into the finish.

Sunday 10/12 – Another beautiful day, cloudless and in the 60s.  Hors d’oeuvre contest was held at 1500 and awards at 1600 were well attended.

Team Trophy

RIP CZECH (Czech Mate, Rabbit and Riptide) with 6 points.

Hors-d’oeuvre Contest

Taste

1. Godzilla
2. Sage
3. Floating Point

Presentation

1. Expresso
2. Godzilla
3. Thunder

2007

Results
Notice of Race

Notes

Monday 10/8 – Everyone left by 1015 in a SW breeze.  We had one jibe all the way to Castle Hill where the wind became NW and light so we turned on the iron genny.

Sunday 10/7 –  Nice day for the Hors d’oeuvre contest and awards.  A few boats left in a NE breeze.

Saturday 10/6 – Fog, fog, fog!  And what about that forcast of 5-10 knots of breeze; ended up WSW about 21 kts.  About half of the fleet actually finished; one boat had to turn back, Gratitude, due to the forestay coming off.  They jury rigged a forestay and went back to Newport; no one hurt.  Topaz towed a power boat to the New Harbor entrance.  27 sail boats were signed up 13 finished.

2006

Results

Notes

The weekend started off with a race almost dead downwind, NE, until 1BI and a broad port reach to New Harbor with winds blowing pretty strong resulting in boats making Block Island in record times. Cliff Mitchell recorded finishes on the beach in the channel leading to New Harbor. Both Cliff and Judy visted the group during the weekend. The rest of the weekend was just unbelievable; warm and sunny. The return trip had the wind again behind us, now SW, in beautiful conditions. We flew the chute from 1BI to Beaver Tail.

2004

Results

2002

Notice of Race

2001

Results

2000

Newport to Block Island Results
Block Island to Newport Results

1999

Newport to Block Island Results
Block Island to Newport Results

1998

Results

1997

Scratch Sheet