If you've ever seen something that was so pretty and so perfectly designed that it took your breath away, you'll know what I mean when I say "I'm in love with the W-Class boats".
These 76-foot sloops are the brainchildren of Boston real estate developer Donald Tofias. Designed by renowned classic yacht designer Joel White and built in Maine, they are absolutely breathtaking to look at, and a thrill to sail.
The two boats, Wild Horses and White Wings (both owned by Mr. Tofias), are typically together wherever they are. We were fortunate to be invited to go sailing on White Wings two weeks ago in Nantucket, and the fascinating thing about sailing the two together is that it's like looking in a mirror while you're sailing. While you're getting a sense of how the boat feels as it's riding the waves (REALLY nice!), you can see what you'd look like to other boats (also, REALLY nice!).
Mr. Tofias and his W-Class boats are active participants in the classic yacht racing circuit which includes regattas in Maine, Newport, Nantucket, New York, the Caribbean and the Med. If you're in the area when one of these events is taking place, and you'd like to go for a spin, let us know. Donald is very welcoming, and if he has room on the boat, he'd probably take you along.
From October 3-7, Mike Fortenbaugh and the Manhattan Yacht Club will be hosting the Panerai New York Classic Week for classic yachts as well as "Spirit of Tradition" yachts like the W-Class boats. Donald has invited us to sail one of the boats, and we're itching to get out there and see what it's like to race a beauty. New York harbor should be interesting as well with it's strange currents, and we're told that North Cove spokes-sailor Dennis Conner might make an appearance. Classic yacht racing has become near and dear to Dennis' heart as he's been doing the Med circuit on his 1925 Q-Class sloop Cotton Blossom II.
We're told that this is a "Med-style" regatta. Not sure why that is, but if our impression of regattas in the Med is right, then it sounds good. Downtown Manhattan is a happening place, and Mt. Gay is hosting a cocktail party each evening. Fortunately, the start isn't until noon each day which should allow adequate recovery time for the crews that decide to take advantage of the fact that bars in NY are open until 4 AM.
If you're in the NY area, stop by and say hello. If you have your deck shoes with you, you just might get recruited. If we don't see you, we'll let you know how it goes.
