Marblehead to Halifax Ocean Race 2009 underway in good conditions

1:22 AM Mon 6 Jul 2009 GMT

'Cutlass a Class 40 (USA 60337), Alexis a Aerodyne 38 (USA 50405) and Trinity a Concordia Custom 46 (USA 730) head for Halifax following the start from Marblehead' Marblehead to Halifax Ocean Race 2009

Under sunny skies and winds ranging from 10 to 18 out of the west-southwest, 97 yachts departed Marblehead for the 360-mile course ending in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Perfect conditions resulted in a downwind start enabling the spectator fleet to see colorful spinnakers heading east. Though winds were brisk at the start, light winds are predicted for much of the race, with an early report from Cape Ann from Marblehead boat Alexis that the wind had decreased to two to three knots.

This year's fleet of boats that hails from throughout the northeast and Canada includes Destination Fox Harbor, a custom-built 134 ft. sloop, the largest yacht, to a strong fleet of multi-hulls to a robust fleet of local entries from Marblehead.

According to Marblehead yacht Alexis, 'At 1800 hours on Sunday, four hours after our start, we have already seen the fleet becalmed by two massive holes. Most of the fleet veered south with the onset of the first hole, while perhaps 12-15 yachts stayed north (us amongst them), gambling on a sea breeze closer to shore. The others missed the first whale sighting, and perhaps the first wind differential. The pre-race forecast is out the window, so it is anyone's guess what this evening will bring in terms of wind speed and direction. But, it is still a gorgeous day, with plenty of sun and of course, good friendship on board.'

Alexis an Aerodyne 38 from Marblehead MA heads off for Halifax at the start - Marblehead to Halifax Ocean Race 2009

About the 2009 Marblehead-to-Halifax Ocean Race: The running of the 2009 Marblehead-to-Halifax Ocean Race (MHOR) is preceded by a long and prestigious history. The race began in 1905 as an informal competition among sailors from the Boston, Eastern, and New York Yacht Clubs. Since that time, the Marblehead-to-Halifax Ocean Race has run regularly on alternate years from the Newport Bermuda Race, as one of the pre-eminent ocean races of the North Atlantic. For more information: www.marbleheadtohalifax.com

Destination Fox Harbour, a Dubois designed 41 meter sloop prepares her gennaker at the start - Marblehead to Halifax Ocean Race 2009 Click Here to view large photo

Marblehead to Halifax Race 2009. Some boats bring their own cheerleaders, here the Farr 60 Capitivity is sent on their way to Halifax by family and friends on board the motor yacht SNAX - Marblehead to Halifax Ocean Race 2009

by Chris Goddard