The sixth annual Vineyard Cup regatta was the best yet. Wind, weather, participation and competitive spirit reached new levels in what has become the Island’s premiere three-day sailing competition. A record 101 sailboats of varying size and construction competed in Vineyard waters, from Menemsha Pond to Cow Bay.

The Coast Guard marine radio weather alarm sounded 20 minutes after race organizer Dave Koshiol had started Saturday’s 22nd Black Dog Dash multihull race: “Severe thunderstorm front with lightening fast approaching. Take immediate cover.”

From the committee boat, Mr. Koshiol gave the abort race command. Fifteen New England Multihull Association skippers and crews were now in a race back to safe harbor or the nearest beach.

They came from as near as Oak Bluffs and as far as Denver to compete in the annual Vineyard Cup Regatta, held last weekend on Vineyard and Nantucket Sound and in Menemsha Pond.

Ninety-five boats and 485 sailors participated in three days of racing and three nights of revelry, all in the name of Sail Martha’s Vineyard, the Island’s youth sailing organization.