Holmes Hole Sailing Association

The Moffett Race.

    When George Moffett, a successful yachtsman who was instrumental in the early days of the Holmes Hole Sailing Association passed in 1977, his widow, Lucia Moffett asked the board if the HHSA could establish an annual award in George's name.  It was decided an annual, end of the season race to celebrate the summer's success would be held late in September, when winds were apt to be strong.  All sailors with boats from 15 to 70 feet long would be welcome, regardless of club membership or type of monohull boat.   Many sailors leapt at the opportunity to join in now that the busy summer season was over.  As luck would have it the first race in 1978 was in very light air with about 20 boats entering.  Joe Low, a HHSA regular, won the race in "Mockingbird" a Santana 26. 
    Over the years the race has gained in popularity and has attracted boats of every description.  When the entry list grew to more than 45 boats, the start was divided into two fleets for safety concerns.  At about that time, prizes were established for two fleets, but the race has always been for one winner and now awards are given for overall positions of 1 through 5, with the winner's name placed on the half model of the "Lucia" a cruising boat designed by George for Lucia.  Since 1998, when Harry Duane won his second Moffett race, the winners have been heavily penalized in the succeeding 5 years of races in order to allow others a chance at winning. 
    The race date was shifted to the weekend following Labor day weekend to allow more summertime boats to attend.  A registration of 50 to 60 entries,the norm for years, has dropped off in recent years as has been the case for regatta attendance across the world. The race continues to attract boats of every description and it offers a challenging day of sailing regardless of conditions. The race has taken many different courses of about 20 miles long.  Some years, because of light air, an alternate shorter course has been used.  Boats large and small have won it and the race has provided extremely challenging windward/leeward courses and in other years fast reaches and runs only.  
    Handicapping the Moffett Race has been the most challenging task for the race committee.  The Holmes Hole handicaps are derived by watching the boats perform over many races and conditions but in the Moffett race, many boats are coming out for their first race and some from far away.  This together with the fact that speedy performance boats are competing with classic schooners and 18 foot full keel day sailors, make for a most interesting dilemma.  But, over the years, the committee has been successful in making sure there is only one winner.
    Two memorable races involved mistakes which might be expected from a fleet of irregular racers.  In 1990, Approximately 25 boats, or one half of the racers did not notice the reverse flag posted on the committee boat.  With so many proceeding to Falmouth rather than Edgartown first, it appeared to the racers they were on the right track.  It's always nice to know half of your competitors were out of the running when it came time to hear the results.  In 1992, the lead boat, which will remain unnamed here, turned at a mark 2 miles short of the mark designated for the course.  All but 3 or 4 followed the short cutter and had to drop out when they realized their mistake, or were made aware of their mistake at the awards party. 
    The fleet of Moffett racers has evolved over the years and a progression towards bigger and faster boats has been relentless.  That said, the HHSA welcomes boats of every description and regular tweaking of the rating system has consistantly evened the playing field so that even a well sailed, slower boat, with a little luck can score well.  The mix of classic wooden boats with the latest production and custom boats make the end of season celebration Moffett race totally unique and fun for all. 


Past Moffett Race Winners


              2023                               Peter Cassidy  Siren
              2022                               Race abandoned for loss of wind.
              2021                               Peter Cassidy  Siren
              2020 Mo Flam     Penelope
              2019                               Alan Wilson      Altius (Stuart Knockabout)
              2018                               Brian Roberts  Aileen
              2017 Stephen BesseApres
              2016                               Stephen Besse                              Apres
              2015                               Stephen Besse                              Apres
              2014                               Jeff Robinson                                Phra Luang                             
              2013                               Bill Coogan                                     Flying Bugster
              2012                               Jared Hammond                            Andiamo II
              2011                               Logue/Mendenhall                        Rocinante III
2010Jamie WeismanPerception
2009Stephen BesseApres
2008Jerry Goodale  Stormalong
2007Jeff Robinson   Phra Luang
2006Sandy Alexander     Falcor
2005Damian McLaughlinArion
2004Mait Edey and Tom GrahamSwallows and Amazons
2003Dan Eberle Cilista
2002Douglas and Nancy Clark   Gnome
2001Alan Wilson       Chantey
2000Dan Culkin Magic Time
1999Carl Beverly      Moondance
1998Harry Duane      Andiamo II
1997Jim Martin         Whisper
1996Robert Blum            Music Street
1995Harry Duane     Andiamo II
1994William UnderwoodNaiad
1993Alan WilsonAltius (Soling)
1992Frederick J. Crane  Consolation
1991J. Thomas FranklinWestray
1990Richard Meyer  Teacup
1989James Lobdell Malabar II
1988Primo Lombardi      Liberty
1987Francis West, Jr.     Erda
1986Jonathan ChurchillTaygeta
1985Richard EverettVernon Langille
1984George DelaneyArdent
1983Allen D. Slater, Jr.   Cercerelle
1982Don Grassie      Fortune
1981Lucia Moffett     Lucia
1980Douglas Thacher    Alis Propiis Volat
1979Hank Scott        Shadow
1978Joseph Low      Mockingbird



This page was last updated: September 15, 2023
Questions?  Email Moffett@Holmeshole.org
Moffett Course Diagrams for illustration purposes only. 
NOT FOR NAVIGATION.  Consult Sailing Instructions for actual course.  In case of any variance, Sailing Instructions prevail. 
    2023 Moffett Race Entry Fee = $50
SAVE $10.00!
     Pay your HHSA dues and enter Moffett race with one payment of $140!
Moffett Race Course Diagrams
SIREN wins 2023
MOFFETT RACE
Peter Cassidy takes Trophy home to Marion promising to return next year.  "Previous Winner" penalty fails again!