Credit: Stephen Cloutier

NEWPORT, R.I. — The Classic Yacht Challenge Series (CYCS) fleet wrapped up its Narragansett Bay racing calendar over Labor Day weekend with the Newport Classic Yacht Regatta, presented by IYRS. While Saturday brought only light air, the Ida Lewis Yacht Club’s Race Committee skillfully managed to get the fleet out on the water and try to get some races off, to no avail. On Sunday, sailors braced for a similar forecast, but the breeze filled in stronger than expected, delivering far better conditions and a fitting finale to the 2025 season on the Bay.

“We are coming down to the wire in this year’s CYCS and we could not ask for more exciting competition,” said CYOA Chair Timmy Dittrich. “The Newport Classic Yacht Regatta marked the traditional end of summer with gorgeous sailing and great camaraderie.”

The Vintage Division was won by Chris Culver at the helm of the 1926 12-meter. Onawa posted her best results of the season and moved up to 5th overall in the series after nine total races. She and her crew also picked up the Atlantic and Sappho Trophies for the best elapsed and corrected times over distance, respectively.

The 12-meter reign continued in the Classics and Modern Classics Division with Steve Eddelston’s newly refit 12-meter Weatherly and Jack Curin’s Intrepid winning those divisions. In the Spirit of Tradition class, newcomer Don Smith won with his Custom Sloop, Falcon.

Peter McClennen’s R Boat Gamecock—refit by IYRS students in 2011—celebrated her 100th year this summer in style, finishing 3rd overall for the weekend and holding onto the top spot for the RI/CT/NY division and closing the gap on the Overall winner Blackwatch. Both boats also earned top honors in their respective designer categories, with Gamecock recognized as Best Herreshoff performance and Blackwatch taking Best Sparkman & Stephens performance.