The Regatta started on Sept 12 with the annual Skipper’s Meeting/Cocktail Party.  Due to construction at the New York Yacht Club, our usual venue, the pre-race festivities were held at the University Club. 185 people including participants, sponsors and donors, enjoyed an evening of cocktails, and camaraderie.

We were blessed with an overcast sky but solid breeze for the regatta. This year we had three separate divisions. The Industry Partners Race, The Champions race (held on new J-80’s with spinnakers) and the Architects Regatta Challenge.

In a change from previous years, the IPR was held on the same day as the other events. HRCS managed to get 4 races in, all of which saw tight racing. Newcomer Entuitive took the trophy; Lutron was close behind, and Thornton Tomasetti rounded out the podium.

For the “Champions Regatta” five firms that had previously won, participated in a distance race using brand new J-80s. These are the first of a planned fleet of 15 of these fantastic boats, and by all accounts were fabulous- fun to sail, faster, easier. We look forward to having 10 available next year, and 15 in 2020. Allen + Killcoyne Architects was the first ever winner of this event.

By moving 5 boats to the J-80 class, HRCS was able to run the Architects J-24 class with fewer borrowed boats – the result: closer racing, and more tactical decisions. Three races were completed before the wind died, and the current grew. In the end, Marvel Architects came out on top, followed by Perkins Eastman and Cetra Ruddy.

The race committee placed the finish lines right off the end of the Frying Pan restaurant, and provided an informed running commentary, much to the delight of the spectators who gathered to cheer for friends and colleagues.

More than 300 sailors, colleagues and friends gathered for the after party. Regatta Sponsor ARC Printing provided Mount Gay drink tickets which were happily used, as we swapped stories, and excuses, and then the traditional “Boat Behind” gifts, to bring another successful regatta to a close.

The best news is that we raised just over $150,000 from over 200 unique donors for local charities (and more is still coming in). This is a record for us; many thanks to all of the participants who reached out to friends, family and colleagues to make this happen.