The Castine Yacht Club in Castine, Maine, in conjunction with Sparkman & Stephens, will host an event August 1, 2007, to celebrate the launching of the new S&S-designed 56-foot sloop, Anna. Built by Brooklin Boat Yard in Maine for Sam Rowse, Anna is reminiscent of Stormy Weather, another classic S&S design from the 1930s. The event also celebrates the return of the 52-foot yawl, Dorade, to the United States after several years in the Mediterranean.
Olin Stephens, who turns 99 on April 13, designed Dorade in 1929. In 1931, he and his brother, Rod, sailed Dorade to victory in the Transatlantic Race from Newport, Rhode Island, to England. Both Anna and Dorade will be on public exhibition August 1, and Olin Stephens plans on presiding.
“As a family boat, Dorade meant a great deal to me,” said Stephens. “She was so much a sign of my father’s confidence-and his willingness to place a big bet on his two sons- that she’s always had a place close to my heart.”
The event will precede the eight annual Castine Classic Yacht Race to Camden on August 2, the Camden to Brooklin Feeder Race on August 3, and the Eggemoggin Reach Regatta on August 4. For more information, consult the Castine Yacht Club’s website (www.castineyachtclub.org).
