Pictures 2009

Third Dennis Conner International Yacht Club Challenge
Press Release 2009

For Immediate Release – August 27, 2009

Third Dennis Conner International Yacht Club Challenge Held in NYC

Amateur Regatta Promotes International Goodwill Through Friendly Competition.

Manhattan wins. Monaco finishes second and Bermuda finishes third.

The Third “Dennis Conner International Yacht Club Challenge” was held in New York Harbor from August 19 to 22, 2009. Nineteen teams from 13 countries competed in this unique event which promotes international goodwill through friendly competition.

Countries represented this August included: Bermuda, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Monaco, The Netherlands, Norway, Scotland, Spain, United Kingdom & United States.

This regatta is organized by the New York Harbor Sailing Foundation and held at the Manhattan Sailing Club in Lower Manhattan. Dennis Conner is the patron and teams have an opportunity to meet him during the event.

This regatta is unique because it brings together amateur club sailors from around the world. The competition is excellent but the main focus is on international goodwill. The host club provides race ready J/24 sailboats for all teams making it easy for club sailors to participate. During the regatta, protests are discouraged, unlimited crew changes are permitted and some clubs field 2 teams of sailors. At the end of the regatta, teams present their own gifts to teams which finish directly behind them in the standings. All in all, it makes for a super friendly regatta and an incredible international experience.

In addition to the racing, there is an active social schedule which builds goodwill. This included an Opening Ceremony at City Hall, a regatta dinner, a party in the harbor and a champagne closing ceremony. The challenge is held in New York City which is known as the “city which never sleeps.” So the official events were just the beginning of the nights for some of the teams.

Racing is held in Upper New York Harbor between the tip of Manhattan and Ellis Island. The race course has an incredible view of the Statue of Liberty. Starts and finishes are conducted form the sailing club’s floating clubhouse which is anchored in the bay.

Eight races were held over 3 days. Five different teams won a race. The overall winner was decided in the final race with Yacht Club de Monaco, Royal Bermuda and Manhattan Sailing Club separated just a few points. Monaco and Manhattan were over the line early which opened a window for the Royal Bermuda. But midway through the final race, Manhattan passed Monaco and Royal Bermuda and then held on to win the challenge. It is the first time Manhattan Sailing Club has won the Dennis Conner International Yacht Club Challenge after hosting many events.

This was the 3^rd Dennis Conner International Yacht Club Challenge. The 1^st Dennis Conner International Yacht Club Challenge was held in 2006. Oslo Sailing Club (Norway) won with Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club (USA) in second and St. Francis Yacht Club (USA) in third. The 2^nd Dennis Conner International Yacht Club Challenge was held in 2007. Raritan Yacht Club (USA) won with the Royal Cork Yacht Club (Ireland) in second and Royal Bermuda Yacht Club (Bermuda) in third.

The International Yacht Club Challenges series began in 1988 when the first group of sailors from around the world came to New York City to compete for “honor and a trophy.” Manhattan Sailing Club was the organizer. Then Yacht Club de Monaco became a co-organizer and challenges were held in 1988, 1989, 1991 and 1992.

The International Yacht Club Challenge was revived in 2006 as Lower Manhattan looked for ways to rebuild after the 9/11 terrorist attack. Dennis Conner has been involved in the rebuilding effort and is a partner in the North Cove, NYC’s mega yacht marina where Manhattan Sailing Club is located. To help the challenge become world famous, Dennis agreed to be patron. Meeting one of the most famous sailors in the world is a great experience for the visiting international sailors. This year, Dennis oversaw the Opening Ceremonies at City Hall and also watched the first day of racing when races were won by Manhattan Sailing Club of the United States, Die Alsterpiraten of Germany and Yacht Club de Monaco of Monaco.

The success of and goodwill generated during the 3^rd Dennis Conner International Yacht Club Challenge means that a 4^th regatta will be held again next August. All yacht clubs from around the world are invited to enter. Details are available at www.myc.org and interested teams should send an “Expression of Interest” to Commodore Michael Fortenbaugh at mike@myc.org.

For more information, please contact Emily Whipple at Emily@myc.org or 212-786-3323.