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The Ultimate Family Racer/Cruiser?

There’s a pretty cool story coming out of Bermuda at the end of this year’s just completed 635-mile Newport to Bermuda Race, the really big deal race on the East Coast. The St. David’s Lighthouse Trophy goes to the corrected time winner of the large amateur division. Last year it went to Rives Potts’ Westbrook, Connecticut-based McCurdy & Rhodes 48-footer Carina.

Following last year’s race, the aluminum sloop took off on a circumnavigation, with Rives’ nephew, Rives Sutherland, as captain. The circumnavigation included participation in the TransAtlantic Race and the Sydney to Hobart Race. She got back just in time for four dads and four sons to enter her in this year’s Newport to Bermuda Race.

Wham! Carina has won the St. David’s Lighthouse Trophy again. It’s not like she’s a new boat either. Back in ’70, when she was brand new, owner Richard Nye raced her to Bermuda and won the St. David’s Lighthouse Trophy. Carina‘s three victories in the Bermuda Race ties her with Finisterre, which Carleton Mitchell sailed to victory in ’56, ’58 and ’60.

Frankly, we’re impressed enough that a 43 year old aluminum boat is still floating. That she’s still winning big is nearly off the graph of impressive. A tip of the hat to all involved.

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