The Mystic River Mudheads are going racing after dark. The First Annual Mudnight Madness Overnight is on the schedule for a start on 1830 on Friday, July 6, 2007. The course will start off of Horseshoe Reef, head out the Race to a port rounding of Cerberus Shoal then around Block Island back to a starboard rounding of Cerberus Shoal, returning through the Race to finish at Ram Island Bell. It’s navigator’s choice for the direction to circumnavigate Block Island. Total distance approximately 65 miles.

   The race is open to PHRF racers and will include a Double handed class. The awards will be presented at the mid season Wednesday Night Party after racing on Wednesday, July 11th at Noank Village Boatyard.

   This is an ECSA bonus race and we will group the classes for best scoring advantage for the participants. Spinnaker and non spinnaker classes may start together but will be scored separately. A double handed class will be offered.

   Overnight racing has lost some favor from the days when the Fuller and Wetherill Race were important dates on the calendar. However, there are a hearty few who still enjoy the challenge of long distance and changing weather. Navigation, strategy and the ability to pace yourself and crew are all essential elements to being a complete sailor. Not to mention it's dark at night. That just increases the uncertainty and the fear. And the challenge to overcome.

   When Thames Yacht Club decided to drop the New London Ocean Race, the Mudhead Board and Race Committee agreed to give it a shot. The Eddie Maxwell will be on station to start the race and then finishing times will be phoned in when participants reach a point where Ram Island Bell bears 0 degrees. Results will be time on time.