J-Class Racing in June

What better way to distract yourself from all the snow? Think of the majestic sight of J-Class super yachts racing in Narragansett Bay in June! The news revealed at Sail Newport’s recent J-Class evening that Newport will be hosting a J-Class regatta featuring 5 days of exciting racing in June is thrilling news for both sailing enthusiasts and those who will likely become sailing enthusiasts!

These yachts are utterly spectacular! Their history, their lines, their power and of course Newport is where it all began for the J-Class yachts. Between 1930–1937 there were only 10 of these magnificent yachts built to compete in the America’s Cup racing right here in Newport. These yachts were built for some of the wealthiest and most skilled yachtsmen in the world and represented the cutting edge of no costs spared yachting. Supposedly it was in reference to J-Class yachts that J.P. Morgan uttered his famous “If you have to ask how much it costs, you cannot afford it” line which lives on today!

Three J-Class yachts have already committed to the regatta namely 2 of the original yachts – Velsheda & Shamrock V - as well as Ranger which is a true replica of the original. There is also scuttlebutt of others likely to join the regatta and negotiations are under way so stay tuned….


I was lucky enough to watch a few of them race in the America’s Cup Jubilee Regatta in Cowes, England in 2001 which celebrated the 150th anniversary of the America’s Cup racing. This June I will be able to do so right in my backyard…what snow?! Put June 15th – 19th in your calendars and plan to watch the racing from Fort Adams, Castle Hill, on the water, or the deck of your luxury water front property! If you need help procuring the later, I'd be delighted to oblige!

Facebook Photo Contest Finalists

Thank you to everyone who entered our Facebook Photo Contest. Each picture captured a unique view of Rhode Island and reminds us all how lucky we are to live in such a beautiful state.

Enjoy the video!

Block Island's 350 Birthday and the photo memories everyone can share!

Happy 350th Birthday Block Island !


As I picked up last weeks Block Island's Times a particular section caught my eye, the section titled "The Way We Were" a small section requesting people send their favorite Block Island pictures and memory of the past. Not pictures of the island but pictures of the friends and families that have visited the island over the years. The Block Island Times plans to run this section throughout the year. They request that all photos be emailed to pvoskamp@blockislandtimes.com or mail a hard copy to PO Box 237,Block Island, RI 02807. Please remember to include your return address so that the photo can be sent back.


When you send in your photo make sure you include a brief description as to who is in the photo when it was taken and what was going on and be sure to tell them why it is your favorite. I'm looking forward to seeing all the memories over this year, the year of Block Island's 350th birthday.


The photo that was featured this past week (January 1,2011) was a photo of the Lang family that was taken in June of 1950. In that photo was Fraser Lang, the owner of the Block Island Times. At the time the photo was taken he was 5 years old, it was his first trip ever to the island. In the picture was his parents, Charles and Helen Lang, his brother Neil, and his youngest sister Leslie.


I love seeing Block Island memories and plan on sending my favorite photo in to the Times. So keep your eye out for me and my family, The McAleers.