Iran releases British sailors
In a tense episode before the Dubai–Muscat Offshore Race, Sail Bahrain’s Team Pindar crew was detained by an Iranian navy vessel after a propeller failure may have caused their yacht to drift from United Arab Emirates waters into Iranian jurisdiction. The sailors were initially held on suspicion of espionage, an allegation that alarmed families, supporters and the wider sailing community.
Andrew Pindar OBE, chairman of Sail Bahrain, said the team’s immediate priority was the safe return of the crew and providing support to their families. He emphasized that the Team Pindar sailors are a tight-knit group of highly qualified, experienced racing yachtsmen and women. Throughout the incident the crew remained under the care of Iranian officials and, according to Pindar, were treated reasonably well.
Skipper Olly Smith and his team eventually were released by Iranian authorities. Pindar described the ordeal as “extremely worrying” for everyone involved, particularly for the families waiting at home, and said the sailors maintained good spirits throughout the detention. The successful outcome highlighted the relief felt across the racing community and underscored how quickly routine equipment failures at sea can escalate into international incidents.
Oliver on the move
The future tall ship Oliver Hazard Perry, destined to be Rhode Island’s flagship Class A tall ship, has begun its next phase of restoration. The 132-foot hull was towed from Newport, R.I., by the tug Hope to Promet Marine Services in Providence for extensive steel and mechanical work slated for the winter. Once completed, the vessel will measure 207 feet overall and feature a three-masted, square rig that rises the height of a 13-story building.
Designed as a modern interpretation of the naval vessels from the Battle of Lake Erie—where Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry led a victorious fleet—the refit will return the ship as a full-rigged tall ship for 21st-century education, training and sail heritage programs. The restoration aims to preserve maritime history while providing a hands-on platform for future generations of sailors.
Grael and Tunnicliffe named Sailors of the Year
The International Sailing Federation (ISAF) honored Torben Grael of Brazil and American Anna Tunnicliffe as the 2009 ISAF Rolex World Sailors of the Year at a ceremony in South Korea. Both athletes were recognized for outstanding accomplishments over the preceding year and for careers that have significantly shaped competitive sailing.
Torben Grael, widely respected and nicknamed “Turbine,” has enjoyed a long, decorated career. Hailing from São Paulo, Grael has earned five Olympic medals—the highest total in sailing—and has collected multiple world championship titles and other major regatta victories. His leadership in the 2008–2009 Volvo Ocean Race, where he skippered Ericsson 4 to line honors, was a key factor in his recognition.
Anna Tunnicliffe has demonstrated remarkable versatility, competing across multiple classes and disciplines. After winning Olympic gold for the United States in the Laser Radial at the 2008 Beijing Games, she continued to broaden her competitive repertoire, racing small boats like the Snipe and taking part in match racing events. Tunnicliffe was also named U.S. Sailing’s 2008 Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year.
US Sailing pays tribute to Roy Disney
Roy Edward Disney, nephew of Walt Disney and a longtime supporter of sailing, passed away on Dec. 16 after battling stomach cancer. He was 79. US Sailing honored Disney in 2008 with the Nathanael G. Herreshoff Trophy in recognition of his substantial and lasting contributions to the sport in the United States.
Gary Jobson, president of US Sailing at the time, called Disney a visionary, competitor and philanthropist who inspired many young people to pursue life on the water. Disney’s influence spanned youth programs, Olympic sailing and broader promotional efforts. He co-produced the documentary Morning Light with his wife Leslie DeMeuse-Disney, a film that brought renewed attention to competitive offshore sailing.
Stan Honey, a US Sailing board member, reflected on Disney’s leadership and loyalty, noting how those qualities created cohesive, confident crews who focused on performance rather than personal security. Disney’s impact continues to be felt across the sailing community through the people he supported and the programs he championed.
Mystic River Yacht Club elects officers for 2010
The Mystic River Yacht Club concluded its 2009 annual meeting with elections for the 2009–2010 leadership team and a palpable sense of optimism for the club’s future. Forrest Cramer was elected commodore, with Philip Shreffler as vice commodore and Virginia Seccombe, previously the club’s longtime secretary, stepping into the role of rear commodore. Catherine O’Brien was chosen as secretary, and Dom DeGaetano was re-elected treasurer. Outgoing commodore Tony DeLima will continue serving on the board as past commodore.
Directors joining the leadership team include Bill Volmar, Jeff Anderson, Bob Davis, John Wakim and Jay McKernan. The club’s officers emphasized member engagement, youth sailing programs and community outreach as priorities for the coming season.
This article originally appeared in the Connecticut & New York Home Waters section of the February 2010 issue.