The 2024 Classic Yacht Challenge Series (CYCS) concluded in spectacular fashion, with participation and competition reaching new heights. Spanning 14 regattas and 28 races, a total of 231 boats competed—representing growth in every way from 2023. The Classic Yacht Owners Association (CYOA) continues to foster the excitement and camaraderie that brings together vintage and modern classic yachts across districts.

"We’re thrilled to see participation grow in every way this year,” said CYOA President, Timmy Dittrich. “In the future, we would like to see even more boats travel to participate in multiple events across our series, as that’s what ties us all together. Over the winter, we will look at how the CYOA can improve the series, but at the heart of it are the individual events and the sailors who make them possible.”

In the Vintage class, Ken Colburn's NY 40 Marilee sailed to victory as the overall winner. "It’s always an honor to compete with these beautiful boats," said Colburn. "Winning the series was an incredible experience, especially with the level of competition we faced this year. Marilee’s marconi rig and sprit combination served us well through the variety of conditions and race configurations we faced."

Colburn went on to thank the various Regatta Organizing Authorities and volunteers “who put together great racing and fun gatherings in some of New England’s most beautiful sailing venues.”

The battle for the top spot was close, with Matt Brooks' iconic Dorade and Black Watch Syndicate finishing in second and third just two points away.

In the Classics class, newcomer James Emery and his Buzzards Bay 25 Lilith impressed by winning the class. Jesse Terry’s Abigail and the 12-Meter American Eagle followed closely behind in the standings.

Among modern boats, Jack Curtin’s Intrepid was the top Modern Classic, Paul Koch's Ponyo took Spirit of Tradition honors, and Harvey Jones’ Outlier was the top Contemporary boat.

A special recognition to Spirit in the Vintage class. Lars and Peter Forsberg, along with their crew, participated in 10 out of the 14 regattas from Maine to Long Island Sound. This father-son team truly captured the essence of classic racing aboard their 1934 John Alden schooner.

Across districts, the enthusiasm for classic yachting continues to grow, with more boats qualifying than ever before. Maine, the largest of the districts, saw 98 boats participate in its five events, with 24 boats qualifying by sailing at least three races across two events as CYOA members.

“We’re incredibly proud of the growth we’ve seen in 2024,” noted the Dittrich. “We aim to make 2025 even better, and we’re excited to see what the next season holds for all of our sailors.”

The Classic Yacht Owners Association’s Annual Meeting and Awards will take place on November 15th from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. The event is free for CYOA members and guests, but an RSVP is required below.

As the CYCS continues to grow, the passion for classic yacht racing remains at the core of the series, promising even more exciting developments in the seasons to come.

The detailed results can be found here and the list of qualified sailors for Overall and Districts are below:

Overall Qualified Results

Vintage Division:

1. Marilee – Ken Colburn – 500.00 pts
2. Dorade – Matt Brooks – 482.22 pts
3. Black Watch – Black Watch Syndicate – 480.91 pts
4. Onawa – Mark Watson – 478.33 pts
5. Spirit – Lars Forsberg – 470.63 pts
6. Siren – Peter Cassidy – 421.67 pts
7. Gleam – Andy Tyska – 388.33 pts
8. Bijou II – Chris Bouzaid – 388.19 pts
9. Firefly – Trevor W. Nelson – 294.85 pts
10. Polly – Peter Gallant – 270.00 pts
11. Aquila – Geoffrey Davis – 245.00 pts

Classic Division:

1. Lilith – James Emery – 492.86 pts
2. Abigail – Jesse Terry – 471.90 pts
3. American Eagle – American Eagle Syndicate – 435.56 pts
4. Brigadoon – R. Jaffe & R. Morton – 385.00 pts
5. Dame – Joshua Goldberg – 273.02 pts

Contemporary Division:

1. Outlier – Harvey Jones – 425.00 pts

Modern Classic Division:

1. Intrepid – Jack Curtin – 493.75 pts

Spirit of Tradition Division:

1. Ponyo – Paul Koch – 450.00 pts

RI/CT/NY Region Results

Vintage Division:

1. Dorade – Matt Brooks – 288.89 pts
2. Gamecock – Peter McClennen – 284.24 pts
3. Onawa – Mark Watson – 271.67 pts
4. Golden-Eye – Michael Emmert – 246.67 pts
5. Allegro – William Simmons – 220.00 pts
6. Firefly – Trevor W. Nelson – 218.18 pts
7. Aquila – Geoffrey Davis – 201.82 pts
8. Kirawan – Dan Levangie – 144.70 pts
9. Surprise – Fred Roy – 115.56 pts

Classic Division:

1. Abigail – Jesse Terry – 300.00 pts
2. American Eagle – American Eagle Syndicate – 280.00 pts
3. Brigadoon – R. Jaffe & R. Morton – 275.00 pts
4. Nefertiti – Jack Klinck – 283.33 pts
5. Polaris – Leif Arntzen – 125.00 pts

Modern Classic Division:

1. Intrepid – Jack Curtin – 300.00 pts

Spirit of Tradition Division:

1. Ponyo – Paul Koch – 250.00 pts

Maine Region Results

Vintage Division:

1. Marilee – Ken Colburn – 300.00 pts
2. Spirit – Lars Forsberg – 290.63 pts
3. Black Watch – Black Watch Syndicate – 290.00 pts
4. Bijou II – Chris Bouzaid – 271.52 pts
5. Gleam – Andy Tyska – 255.00 pts
6. North – John Priestly – 201.39 pts
7. Falcon – Bob Scott – 182.50 pts
8. Chetah-Cheetah – C. Nethersole/J. Turner – 163.54 pts
9. Celia – Rob Parish – 147.92 pts
10. Isla – Henry May – 142.71 pts

Classic Division:

1. Lilith – James Emery – 292.86 pts
2. Phalarope – Thomas Ashton – 271.43 pts
3. Mermaid – Brooke Parish – 261.43 pts
4. Snow Falcon – A. Breece & G. Gans III – 209.64 pts
5. Rogue – Seville Simonds – 177.78 pts
6. Dame – Joshua Goldberg – 169.75 pts
7. Thunderhead – Steve Ross – 116.43 pts
8. Loki – Patrick Jones – 57.14 pts

Modern Classic Division:

1. Lions Whelp – Phineas Sprague – 300.00 pts
2. Vortex – Steve White – 221.67 pts

Contemporary Division:

1. Isobel – Todd Lalumiere – 266.67 pts
2. Hopgrasser – D. & M. Lyman – 150.00 pts

Spirit of Tradition Division:

1. Mystery - W. Keenan & J. Wiegleb - 266.67 pts
2. Zingara - Robert W. Stephens - 143.33 pts

Massachusetts Results

Vintage Division:

1. Siren – Peter Cassidy – 150.00 pts
2. Polly – Peter Gallant – 128.57 pts

Classic Division:

1. Grace – Michael Herde – 100.00 pts

Contemporary Division:

1. Outlier – Harvey Jones – 300.00 pts