(Newport, RI) - A highlight of the Newport summer offshore season is the only round trip distance race to begin and end in Newport, the Ida Lewis Distance Race. The event, which enjoyed its seventh edition this year, is a qualifier for the 2011 New England Lighthouse Series (PHRF); Northern and Double-Handed Ocean Racing Trophies (IRC); and the US-IRC Gulf Stream Series. Furthermore, the race incorporates something that was a first amongst all known offshore races- the Youth Challenge. The Youth Challenge is comprised of teams that have more than 40% junior sailors to qualify for a special trophy. In fact, one of the fastest growing divisions in this end of summer event is the Doublehanded PHRF Division!There are five courses the RC can choose from depending on wind and weather conditions that range from 70 nm to 150 nm. This year the IRC Class sailed the longest version, the 150 nm Block Island Course. Sailing in this class were two J/122s, Marc Glimcher's CATAPULT and George Shaw's TUMBLEWEED, they finished fourth and seventh in class, respectively.
For more Ida Lewis Distance Race sailing information
