Marblehead Race Week a class act

MARBLEHEAD – For one week during the year, sailors who are filled with passion and drive compete during Marblehead Race Week, alongside competitors from all over the world.More than 130 boats in a mixture of nine classes competed in Race Week?s final day at the Helly Hansen NOOD Regatta, with the Eastern Yacht Club serving as host.As Race Week came to a close, friends old and new gathered together to commemorate the final night with an awards ceremony. The ceremony began with a thank you to Helly Hansen, which sponsored the regatta for the second year in a row, along with returning supporters Mount Gay Rum, Sunsail, North Sails, West Marine and Wilmington Trust. The awards were given as third-, second- and first-place names were called. Among some of the first-place winners was J105 Fred deNapoli aboard “Allegro Semplicita,” who was also awarded the “Leader Spinnaker” from Wilmington Trust.Rhodes 19 frontrunner and Marblehead native Jamie Holley aboard “Manikiki” and Berit Solstad, Town Class, on “Lille Venn” also came in first in their classes as well.The overall winners of each team also left with new sailing gear thanks to Helly Hansen.Special awards were then announced as Holley and family came back to the podium to claim their spot in a special championship. Not only did the Holley crew win the regatta?s overall title but a place in the British Virgin Islands Race in October as well.Holley credited his family with bringing him the most joy during Race Week.?This trip is just a fantastic opportunity to spend time in an exotic location with my family sailing,” he said. “Our boat has always been a family boat with a family crew.?I never would have believed that this sport would provide my family with such an opportunity,” he said. “We are very grateful.”Jason Maher of the Boston Yacht Club won the Leonard Mumm Fowle award for outstanding achievement in Race Week. Susie Schneider of the race committee said she called the trophy the “give back award” for someone who went above and beyond during the activities that race week presented.?I was very surprised because I thought I had been flying under the radar,” Maher said. “It?s a very awesome award to be given and I?m very appreciative.”