August 10, 2010

The International One-Design Sailors at Skylands!

As you can imagine, sailing is a serious pastime in the in the vast waters near Skylands, my home in Maine.  The Northeast Harbor Fleet, formed in August of 1923, is a seasonal organization that promotes boating and sailboat racing in the area.  For the second time in a decade, the Northeast Harbor Fleet hosted the International One-Design (IOD) World Championship regatta this summer.  IOD is a class of sailboat developed specifically for yacht racing.  This classic boat is a 33-foot open cockpit day sailer and they are so beautiful to watch.  The event was held from July 25th-30th and involved a series of eight races.

David Rockefeller Jr., my friend and neighbor in Seal Harbor, asked me if I’d be willing to host one of the evening gatherings.  The sailors are from all over and they are entertained in the “hosting” harbor.  One night they took over the Islesford Dock Restaurant on Little Cranberry Island and on another, they participated a lively square dance.  I opened my home to a group of about 150 and we all had a great time feasting on a menu created by Chef Pierre Schaedelin.