The HT class in Newport RI is starting to take off. We will have 8-9 boats sailing out of Sail Newport Sailing Center's dinghy lot by the end of June (there are 5 there now).

The local Yacht Clubs and one design dinghy/keelboat groups have really embraced us. We have 17 race days scheduled in Newport this summer. Ida Lewis Yacht Club has included us in their Lime Rock Saturday Series (7 saturdays through the summer) along with Etchells, Shields, 110s, and Vectors. Their only request is that we drink at there bar after racing!

ILYC provide fantastic racing - generally on 1 mile on windward leeward 2X courses, with barely time for a drink of water between races. This weekend we had 3 boats out (Peter Johnstone, Kris/me, and US Sailing team tornado skipper Stan Schreyer - unfortunately Bill Vining got out late and missed the starts). We had 4 great races, with each boat winning at least once, and 2 of the races came down to the last tack/jibe. Fantastic!

We also have 4 Around the island races hosted by New York Yacht Club, International Yacht and Athletic Club (a bar); Conanicut Yacht Club, and Sail Newport. And then there are 2 regattas - Newport Regatta in July and the Unlimited in August.

So all in all it should be a great summer. We have a demo boat available if anyone is interested in the class and wants to come play.

Hunt Stookey
18HT - USA 14