AFRICAN-AMERICAN YACHT RACER SCORES COVETED TROPHIES

(September 1, 2010)  Washington, DC-- The Eastport Yacht Club in Annapolis, Maryland, and the St. George's Dinghy and Sports Club in St. George’s, Bermuda, awarded two coveted racing trophies to Southern Sky, a 42-foot Sabre Rigged Sloop captained by Washington, DC attorney and businessman James Haynes.  Southern Sky claimed the “Second Place - Corrected Time” trophy in Division III of the race as well as the COOK Trophy.  Captain Haynes and crew were the sole African-Americans entered in the prestigious race. 

The 17th Biennial Bermuda Ocean Race (BOR) from Annapolis, Maryland to St. George's Bermuda began on Friday, June 11, 2010.  The race covered 125 miles of Chesapeake Bay waters, navigated through the Gulf Stream, and crossed 628 miles of open ocean water to reach Bermuda.

            The first Bermuda Ocean Race was established in 1979 with seven yachts that competed informally. The organizers determined there was sufficient interest for this type of race and it became an accepted biennial event starting in 1980. Since then, the fleet has grown and now attracts both racing and cruising boats. The fleet is limited to 50 entries.

“As the only Black captain, I am especially proud of my crew and our efforts crossing the Atlantic”, said Haynes.  “I’ve been sailing for over 30 years, so it was especially enjoyable and gratifying to win both trophies”.

The race is structured to provide a combination of inshore and offshore racing. Divisions are established to insure fair matching for both cruising and racing boats.  A major objective is to enhance the art of navigation for more sailors.  The BOR provides these challenges within a framework designed for safe offshore sailing. It enables many sailors to fulfill a lifelong ambition: a blue water passage to an island of coral with white sandy beaches and hospitable people.

Haynes also plans to enter Southern Sky in a yacht race from Newport, Rhode Island to Bermuda in 2012.  The Newport to Bermuda race is the largest and most prestigious race on the East Coast, with over 175 boats generally participating. 

For further information  contact Jim Haynes at 202-460-3299 or JRHInvestments@aol.com.