Michael Loberg won a HHSA doubleheader on Sunday, July 19, aboard his Morris 36, Masquerade. In the A Division there were three boats in both the morning and afternoon Harbor races. In the morning, Tango, a J/100 sailed by Phil Hale, was second, and another J/100, Escape, skippered by Tom and Laurie Welch was third. In the afternoon the second and third positions were reversed.

In the B Division in the morning, Tyche, a Vineyard 15 sailed by Bow Van Riper, took the first spot, with Silhouette, a Nonsuch 26, in second. With Beck Colson at the helm, this was Silhouette’s debut for the season. Third was the stalwart Gloria, a C&C 24 sailed by Roger Becker. Roger described the morning’s conditions as “Flukey winds that left some boats in holes watching others sailing along in their own zephyrs.”

Along with some fog and a strong rising tide, many found themselves where they wished they were not.

Eight B Division boats took part in the afternoon race. Isabella, a G&B Bella, sailed by John and Lisa Stout, took a first, with Tyche two minutes behind. In third place was At Last, an Alerion X28 skippered by Jim Dixon. By the 2:05 p.m. start, the breeze had picked up to a SW 10 to 15 mph that made for an energetic race. Even the Dreaded Can 23A off East Chop was manageable, unlike most encounters.

On the previous Thursday, July 16, the highly coveted HHSA (coffee) Cup went to the J/100 Escape sailed by Tom and Laurie Welch in the A division. Second by just 29 seconds was Steve Besse in Apres, a J/120, followed by Masquerade skippered by Mike Loberg, also 29 seconds later.

It was a lovely evening with a perfect 10 mph breeze from the Northeast that diminished over the next hour to a not so perfect six or five. There was enough flooding tide, though, by that time to bring all boats home, wing and wing, in the late golden light. A timeless sight.

In the B Division, Tyche, a Vineyard 15, won yet another cup with Bow Van Riper at the helm and his daughter Katie as crew. Next was Isabella, a G&B Bella sailed by John and Lisa Stout. In third place was Stormalong, a Pearson 31, with Commodore Jerry Goodale at the helm. There were seven boats in each division.

Can 23A off East Chop, with its ever perplexing current pattern, caused consternation for some boats, but otherwise the course was a pleasure.

The Thursday evening race is a triangular course, once around, within the arms of the two Chops. The Sunday Harbor races are at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and involve two trips around the triangle each time, sometimes in one direction, sometimes in the other. The Sunday Sound Races follow various courses out into the Sound. In addition, there are three Rendezvous events to Tarpaulin Cove, Robinson’s Hole and Chappaquiddick.

This Sunday will be the race to Tarpaulin Cove with a picnic and, with luck, a relaxed return to Vineyard Haven. Unless all the elements cooperate, it can be a bit too challenging for smaller boats without motors, but hopes are high.

Races are held on Thursdays and Sundays. All are welcome. For more information, please visit holmeshole.org.