Courtesy Chuck Fontaine, Head Sailing Coach

Massachusetts Maritime Academy Sailing Team posted a first place finish in the 2011 Figawi Race. The Race was held on Saturday May 28, 2011. The course takes the sailors from Hyannis to  Nantucket.

The cadets  on the Nelson /Marek 46’  Natalie J  were lead by skipper Phil Scott from the mid-way point to the finish . The race was sailed in a light South –South West  wind that eventually died on most of the competitors.  Scott was joined by cadets Devin Tetzlaf, Andrew Gregoire,  Eric Pattison, Jesse Malmgren, Jason Pollock, Christopher Morrow, Michael Reney, Mikayla Martin,  Frank Hennigan ’07, Christian Petterson ‘05 . In addition coaches Mark Riley and Chuck Fontaine were aboard for the victory in Class A. MMA was also the first Cape Cod boat to finish.

The 40th Annual Figawi Race Weekend is recognized as a top sailing event not only on the east coast but is known nationally as well as internationally. Figawi Race Weekend kicks off the Cape Cod and Nantucket summer season. Entries include sailors from several states 240+ boats (including 30 power boats) and over 3,000 sailors and visitors, as well as locals, attend this event.

MMA had two other vessels entered in the race. SAIORSE a Tripp 41 was skippered by Rob Gallagher and his team included, Mathew Dexter, Nate Olsen , Richard Graef, Jennifer March, Kristen Donnell, Robert Pierce,  and Coach Ian MacLeod.

“RED SKY” skippered by Jay Melamet. His crew included Joshua Kilmon, Travis Thonus,  Mathew Butler, Andrew Smith, Steve Moore, Mark Pottey ’10 and Coach Steve Sammis.

All of the vessels raced on were donated to the Academy over the last few years. The proceeds from the eventual sale of the vessels supports waterfront activities and sailing programs at the Academy.