Congratulations Liz!

Read all about Liz Sistare in the current Windcheck Magazine.

Rules & Tactics Around the Race Course!

An Interactive, Fun & Educational online Webinar
with Dave Perry

Presented by the Eastern Connecticut Sailing Association

Wednesday, April 5, 12, 19 & 26, 2023
7:30pm – 9:00pm

Pre-read & Zoom link

The course consists of four April evenings of online webinars with rules and tactics guru Dave Perry. First session is next Wednesday, April 5th, 7:30pm

There is no fee to attend – ECSA is sponsoring. Non- members are welcome to participate – please pass the information along!

Gene Fiese

Gene Fiese, 78, Mudhead Commodore in 2004, passed away March 2 at his home in Hernando, Florida. His wife, Kathy, and daughter, Emily are preparing an obituary which will be posted soon. A Celebration of Life is scheduled at Shennecossett Yacht Club on July 9 at 1 pm.

Many of us knew Gene well from his work on the Mudhead Race Committee and his long-time commitment to the Mudheads. He was also an instrumental part of the racing for the Off Soundings Club and Shennecossett Yacht Club. In reviewing a string of emails that go back many years, I see a man who was taking care of details, making sure the people, and the gear, showed up on time to run a race. That’s sort of a Mudhead tradition, isn’t it? Picking the course or shooting the gun, he was focused on fair racing and getting the details right. I believe our friends are always with us, regardless of where their race course has been set. Gene will always be looking for the wind direction, checking his watch and making sure the right folks are around him to make it all happen. And then we’ll party later. Race on, Gene Fiese. Say hi to our buddies who are waiting for you.

Written by Greg Gilmartin

Full Obituary

Mudhead winners at the US Sailing Community Sailing Committee Awards

Annie Longo: Excellence in Instruction

Liz Sistare, Mystic Seaport Museum Sailing Center: Creative Innovations in Programming

Peter Dudley Canning

1950 – 2023

Stonington – Peter Dudley Canning of Stonington, died Jan. 4, 2023. He was born Nov. 21, 1950, the second son of William John Canning, an architect, and Marian Toner Canning, a nurse.

Peter grew up in Groton, and graduated from Robert E. Fitch High School and Webb Institute, where he studied naval architecture. After college, he moved to Berkeley, California, to work as a yacht designer with Gary Mull. In 1973, he returned to Connecticut, where he started his own design firm, designing two sailboats manufactured by Metalmast (the Metalmast 30′ and 36′), and two manufactured by Mariner Yacht Company (the Mariner 28′ and 36′).

In 1980, Peter began his career at Electric Boat, where he worked for 37 years in various roles, including serving as the Manager of Naval Architecture. He found great purpose in designing submarines for the U.S. Navy, and in working at Electric Boat. Building strong relationships with colleagues across Electric Boat, and with their customers – the Navy – was a big part of what got him up each morning. He enjoyed recruiting and mentoring talented naval architects and engineers.

Peter loved boating, hunting and fishing with his brothers: Bill, a successful wealth manager in New London, and Douglas, a renowned pediatric surgeon in Philadelphia. He built two homes, including one with his great friend, H. Wes Maxwell. Later in life, he dedicated himself to the sport of rowing, encouraged by his friends, Karl Parks, Stephen Parks and Hart Perry. A member of Mason’s Island Yacht Club, Off Soundings Club and the Mudheads, he was also proud to be a member of the Mystic Seaport Museum for almost 50 years.

Peter also loved spending time with his wife, Sarah, his daughters, Katherine and Martha and their family and friends at the Mason’s Island Yacht Club. He looked forward to Sarah’s chocolate cookies and watching the Boston Red Sox. He was obsessive about dandelion removal from his yard, but refused to use pesticides. He taught his girls to sailboat race and fly kites. A relentless problem solver, he always had a solution for any pending problem his daughters had. As those with daughters will understand … his advice was mostly welcomed. He loved dogs, woodworking, single malt scotch, snowy days, family parties, hazy summer mornings by the water and snappy bowties.

Peter is survived by his immediate family, Sarah, Katherine, and Martha Canning: his brother William G. Canning; his sisters-in-law, Suzanne H. Canning and Annabelle B. Canning; his nephews and nieces: William J., Tracy, John, Alexia, Maddy and Caroline Canning; as well as his delightful great-nieces and nephew: Sabina, William, Flora and Louisa Canning. He is predeceased by his parents; his brother Douglas A. Canning; and his nephew Peter H. Canning.

Our family would like to thank the staff at Avalon Health Care Center for their wonderful care for Peter during his final years.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 12, at Calvary Church, 27 Church Street, Stonington. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Peter’s honor to the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center, 27 Chase Street, Pawcatuck, Connecticut 06379 c/o Susan Sedensky, J.D., Executive Director. The Dinoto Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Paul Andrew Connor

1943 – 2022

Noank – Paul Andrew Connor, age 79, died peacefully at his home in Noank, Nov. 8, 2022, surrounded by his family. He bravely battled ALS for two years. Paul was born Feb. 3, 1943, to Marcellus and Elma Rooms Connor in Lakewood, Ohio.

Paul attended Pine Point School for seventh and eighth grades, Suffield Academy for high school, and is a graduate of Colorado College. He kept in close touch with many of his school friends his entire life. He married the love of his life Carol Maxwell July 6, 1968. They met at Ram Island Yacht Club, and for 54 years shared an amazing life and wonderful marriage full of sailing, racing, cruising, skiing, family holidays, travel and adventures to see lighthouses far and wide.

Family and friends always have been central to Paul and Carol’s life and happiness. Their two children, Whitney (49) and Morgan (46), both loved their father dearly and have been fortunate to live nearby their entire lives. Paul’s five grandchildren: Molly (16) and Avery (14) Peterson, and Maxwell (15), Lila (13) and Hayley (9) Connor loved their grandfather very much and called him “Pop.”

After college, Paul joined the family business, Ashawog River Mills, a fabric store in Mystic, working alongside his mother. They were well known for selling designer fabrics and fine woolens. In 1971, Paul and his brother-in-law Wes Maxwell started a restoration business, buying, restoring and selling antique homes. In 1974, Paul, Wes and John McGee formed the Steamboat Wharf Company and began a more than 40-year partnership focused on transforming downtown Mystic. Their many business endeavors included building and operating the Steamboat Cafe, the Steamboat Inn, Mystic Condos, Stonington Landing Condos, Maxwelton Building stores and apartments and many more. Bill Griffin joined the partnership to help develop the Whaler’s Inn and adjacent properties. Paul was not afraid to take risks. One of his favorite business projects was building the M/V Valiant, a 97-foot aluminum yacht that had five lovely staterooms. Paul and his partners had the Valiant built in a New Orleans’ shipyard in 2000-2001, and brought her north to be docked alongside the Steamboat Inn in Mystic. Paul’s positive impact on the community where he lived his entire life and the number of lives he influenced through his kindness and generosity will be remembered for generations.

Paul loved everything about boats, sailing, cruising and racing. Together with Carol and their friends and family, he cruised thousands of miles and competed in more races than can be counted. He won the last race he sailed, just months before he passed away. When not on the water, he loved being with his family and friends in the family’s farmhouse in Vermont – skiing, walking in the woods, having winter picnics and gathering by the fire. He always put one last log on the fire to keep everyone together in the evenings. Paul was a committed member and active volunteer at many yacht clubs and served as commodore at Ram Island Yacht Club and Mystic River Mudheads, and rear commodore of the CCA (Cruising Club of America) Essex station. He cared deeply about his community, serving as a longtime board member for H.O.P.E. (Housing Opportunities for People in New London) and leading the land acquisition efforts as a board member for GOSA (Groton Open Space Association).

Paul will be remembered by everyone as being brave, kind, generous, thoughtful, compassionate, patient and one-of-a-kind. He is survived by his wife Carol; his children Whitney (husband Matthew Peterson) and Morgan (wife Suzanne); and his five grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents; and brother Mike Connor.

Thank you to Masonicare Hospice and Chris Curtin of Compassionate Care ALS (CCALS), and all of Paul’s family and friends who helped during his time with ALS.

In lieu of sending flowers, donations can be made to Mystic River Mudhead Sailing Association – Eddie Maxwell Fund (www.mudhead.org/mudwho/eddie-maxwell/) or GOSA (Groton Open Space Association (www.gosaonline.org/donate/).

The memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20, at the Noank Baptist Church.

2022 Dyer Dhow Derby

Thanks to Mystic Seaport Museum for being a great host and thanks to Nate Fast for planning a great event, and congratulations to the Murphy Family (three generations- Frank, Patrick and Lily) on the win- they will be planning next year’s event!

Also… a huge congrats to Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce Tourist Information & Welcome Center on a successful celebration of the Mystic River Bascule Bridge 100 Anniversary Celebration.

Dear Mudheads board,

Thank you very much for selecting us as the recipients of the Dillon Fund. We had an amazing time down at the Club 420 Midwinters Championship in Jensen Beach, Florida. The weekend was filled with all different conditions, levels of competition, and overall was a ton of fun! Below I have attached some pictures from the regatta.

Charlie Bergendahl & Ellie Menezes

Thank you so much!!!

Dear Mudhead Members,

The Mudhead board has received positive feedback regarding the incorporation of the ORC scoring system, in addition to the traditional PHRF scoring system, for Mudhead races. After considerable discussion, sub-meetings, presentations from experts and analysis, the board has decided to offer ORC as an additional scoring option.

How this will work:

  • When registering for Mudhead races, both PHRF and ORC classes will be available for selection and the registrant will indicate the scoring system the boat desires.
  • Once the event entry has closed, the Race Committee will distribute the fleet into PHRF and ORC.
  • A valid 2022 ORC certificate is required to participate in the ORC class(es).
  • Trophies will be awarded within the PHRF classes and ORC class(es). The Salle Evelyn DWNRS first in fleet trophy will remain with the PHRF fleet. Depending upon interest, the addition of an ORC first in fleet trophy or relocation of the Salle Evelyn trophy to the ORC fleet will be considered.
  • Additional specifics to be included in the Sailing Instructions.

How to decide:

Below is a description of the ORC rating system the Race Committee has generated to assist owners in deciding whether the PHRF or ORC rating system is most appropriate for them and their boat. The Race Committee has included on-line information as well. Greg Gilmartin and John Fries are both well versed in the ORC rating system and have volunteered to be a resource to assist owners with this decision. I am also available to anyone who would like to discuss the rating systems, although somewhat less versed. Further, John Fries has offered to assist with ORC certificate applications and with any sail measurements required for the ORC certification.

Greg Gilmartin
Cell: (860) 625-0094
E-mail: [email protected]
John Fries
Cell: (860) 501-3218
E-mail: [email protected]
Peter Austin
Cell: (860) 205-4025
E-mail: [email protected]

WHAT IS ORC?

You may have heard about ORC, and some of you have raced under that system, if you’ve raced with Storm Trysail, the New York Yacht Club, the Stamford Yacht Club, the Cruising Club of America or Charleston Race Week. The system is used world-wide and has caught on around the US from Annapolis to Chicago, Mackinac to San Francisco. It is supported by US Sailing and administered by the Ocean Racing Congress.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

  • The ORC Rule relies on a Velocity Prediction Program (VPP) based on standard measurements of hull, rigging, displacement, sails, and prop.
  • The measurements are input with an online application process.
  • The rating calculator outputs a multi-number rating, suitable for various scoring options, wind speeds, and course configurations.
  • The formulas, rules, certificates and VPP documentation are all freely available to the racing community. This is not the case with other systems such as IRC and ORR.
  • You have a choice of the type of certificate you receive, each one providing either more detail or specific use.

TYPES OF ORC CERTIFICATES

  • ORC Club – this is the certificate that will be utilized for Mudhead races. This certificate relies on information from a database of 125,000 records of boats from last 20 years. To submit a certificate application, you provide information you likely have from a PHRF certificate. You can get as detailed as you wish (i.e. weighing your boat.)
  • ORCi requires more detail, maybe a hull measurement, but that’s for more championship type racing.
  • ORC One Design – standard configuration. Changes require new certificate.

ORC FEATURES

  • ORC scoring options include Time-on-Distance, Time-on-Time, Triple Number, Performance Curve Scoring, Double handed.
  • ORC certificate is usable anywhere ORC handicap is used. A regional variation i.e., YRALIS, NB, ELISA is not required.
  • ORC Club initial cost is $3/ft for boats <29.99ft and $4/ft for boats 30-39.99ft. Processed by US Sailing.
  • VPP diagram – Target boat speed in specific conditions & sails.
  • Sailor Services – can try “what if” scenarios. Bigger chute? What effect will it have on my rating can be tested online.

SCORING

  • Multiple rating numbers blend with Yacht Scoring. Your Certificate # upon Registration loads your numbers.
  • ToT or ToD calculates TCF x Elapsed Time = Corrected Time
  • RC selects parameters of race – Course & Wind
  • o Course – Windward/Leeward or Coastal/Distance.
  • o Wind range from Low, Moderate and Heavy.
  • Performance Curve Scoring where percentage of upwind/downwind/reaching can be incorporated into formulae to determine Corrected Time.

We encourage you to review further details at the links below:

Fair Winds-
Peter Austin, MRMSA Commodore, 2022

View Letter (pdf)

Dyer Dhow Derby 2021

The 72nd annual Dyer Dhow Derby was held last Saturday on the Mystic River! This regatta is held in honor of those who have donated to, or supported, the Dyer Dhow fleet of over 50 boats at the Mystic Seaport Sailing Camp and Community Sailing Programs.

Thanks to all who attended the 2021 Dyer Dhow Derby! We had a beautiful day and got in 7 races – the final one a distance race to nun 38 and back.

A huge thank you to Ben, Sarah, and Anne Wilkinson for hosting this year; to the Mudheads for providing us a committee boat; and to Frank Murphy and Matt Curtis for running the races.

Check out more photos: Link here

Check out the results: Link here

Looking forward to next year’s event hosted by the Fast Family!

Mud Cup 2021

Congratulations to Team Patriot (Sean Burridge, Tim Porter, Toby Halsey, Paul Phillips) for defending their golf title!
Thank you to all of our sponsors, volunteers and players for a wonderful day at Pequot for the Michael Cavanaugh Memorial Golf Tournament in support of ALS- CT Chapter.

Help keep Eddie Maxwell running smoothly so the RC can run smooth races.

When you pay your dues for 2021, please also consider a donation to the Eddie Maxwell fund!

To ensure an awesome sailing season for 2021, a lot of improvements are being made to our steadfast committee boat. Eddie Maxwell needed some work to keep her in tip-top shape and up to race committee standards.

Thus far…. the work has entailed….
• Locate and drill out approximately 80+ screws from fiberglassed over 1” plywood deck using a magnet and 3/4 “hole saw.
• Cut deck into 2 equal sections and lift two sections from the stringers to allow for new fuel tanks.

Coming Soon…
• Work will entail a new course board
• Cosmetic painting and MORE to come!

Thank you to the hard workers who have undertaken this job!

Missed Dave Perry’s Sailing Seminar?

Check it out here.

Gretchen Leming

Those who touch our lives, stay in our hearts forever.

A celebration of life will be held when it is safe to gather again.

Memorial donations can be made in Gretchen’s name to:

Mystic River Chorale
PO Box 341
Mystic CT 06355

Or

Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center
PO Box 122
Mystic CT 06355

Photos and memories of Gretchen are welcome and appreciated.

To The Mudhead Membership:

The Mudhead board has received positive feedback in the adoption of the ORC scoring system for the Donzo WNRS. After considerable discussion, sub meetings, presentations from experts, and analysis the board has decided to offer ORC as a secondary scoring option. This will be a trial for the 2021 Spring and Summer Donzo WNRS. PHRF will remain the official scoring system as past years.

PLAN FOR THE 2021 DWNRS

  • • PHRF will remain the official scoring system for classes and overall results. Same as past years.
  • • Depending on the level of interest, ORC will be scored within each class and overall.
  • • A valid 2021 ORC certificate is required to participate in the secondary scoring trial.
  • • ORC trophies? Yes, we expect to offer trophies in addition to the traditional PHRF prizes. This will be determined by the level of interest.
  • • Additional specifics to be included in the NOR and Sailing Instructions.

WHAT IS ORC?

You have probably heard about it and some of you have raced under that system if you’ve done races with Storm Trysail, New York Yacht Club, Stamford Yacht Club, Cruising Club of America and Charleston Race Week. The system is used world-wide and has caught on around the US from Annapolis to Chicago, Mackinac to San Francisco. It is supported by US Sailing and administered by the Ocean Racing Congress.

 HOW DOES IT WORK?

  • • The ORC Rule relies on a Velocity Prediction Program (VPP) based on standard measurements of hull, rigging, displacement, sails, and prop.
  • • The measurements are input with an online application process.
  • • The rating calculator outputs a multi-number rating, suitable for various scoring options, wind speeds, and course configurations.
  • • The formulas, rules, certificates and VPP documentation are all freely available to the racing community. Not so with other systems like IRC, ORR. Mystery of PHRF as well.
  • • You have a choice of the type of certificate you receive, each one providing either more detail or specific use.

TYPES OF ORC CERTIFICATES

  • • ORC Club – this is what the Race Committee is proposing as the eventual goal for the Mudheads. This cert relies on information from a database of 125,000 records of boats from last 20 years. To calculate a certificate, you provide information you likely have already. You can get as detailed as you wish. I.E., weighing your boat.
  • • ORCi requires more detail, maybe a hull measurement, but that’s for more championship type events.
  • • ORC One Design – standard configuration. Changes require new certificate.
  • • ORC scoring options include Time-on-Distance, Time-on-Time, Triple Number, Performance Curve Scoring, Double handed.
  • • ORC cert. is usable anywhere ORC handicap is used. Don’t have to get a regional variation i.e., YRLIS, NB, ELISA.
  • • ORC Club initial cost is $3/ft for boats <29.99ft and $4/ft for boats 30-39.99ft. Processed by US Sailing.
  • • VPP diagram – Target boat speed in specific conditions & sails.
  • • Sailor Services – can try “what if” scenarios. Bigger chute? What effect will it have on my rating can be tested online.

SCORING

  • • Multiple rating numbers blend with Yacht Scoring. Your Certificate # upon Registration loads your numbers.
  • • ToT or ToD calculates TCF x Elapsed Time = Corrected Time
  • • RC selects parameters of race – Course & Wind
    • • Course – Windward/Leeward or Coastal/Distance.
    • • Wind range from Low, Moderate and Heavy.
  • • Performance Curve Scoring where percentage of upwind/downwind/reaching can be incorporated into formulae to determine Corrected Time.

We encourage you to review further details at the links below:

2020 Mudhead Annual Meeting

Listen to the Mystic River Mudhead Sailing Association socially distanced Zoom, link provided below. 2021 Board of Directors announced. Passcode: Vh$xzUv9

Mudhead Awards Go Virtual

Congratulations to all of the winners. Click here to view the trophy list.

Huge thanks to Greg Gilmartin for the making of this video.

Congratulations

Congratulations to all sailors who placed in ECSA. FIVE Mudheads- great job!

J. Peter McArdle Jr. 1956 – 2020

J. Peter McArdle Jr., 64, of Mystic, CT, passed away of natural causes on Monday, August 24, 2020.

J. Peter McArdle Jr.

Born in East Hartford, CT on May 2, 1956, he was raised in Bozrah, CT. He attended Fields Memorial School in Bozrah, Norwich Free Academy and completed a post graduate year at Vermont Academy, before attending Boston College.

Peter lived in Morehead City, NC, Nantucket, MA, and vacationed at his family’s home on Sanibel Island, FL, before being introduced to sailing and moving to Mystic, CT. He later settled down on Masons Island, where he met some of his greatest friends.

He was a successful builder and business owner for many years, beginning working for his father as a teenager and eventually starting his own business. Peter had a passion for music, fishing, and sports, as his strong athleticism gave him the ability to pick up almost any sport.

He was a member of the Masons Island Yacht Club, Mystic River Mudheads and the Knights of Columbus. Peter was predeceased by his father, Jerome P. McArdle Sr. and his sister, Ellen Mary McArdle. He is survived by his mother, Dolores E. McArdle of Farmington, CT; his daughter, Mallory Constance McArdle of Mystic; uncle, Calvin (Susan) Cohn of Arizona; his brother, Matthew (Donna) of Bozrah;  sisters, Marcy (Edward) Hayden of Old Lyme and Megan (Michael) Parsons of Farmington and his brother-in-law, Dr. Andrew Larkin. Additionally, he is survived by his nieces and nephew Kristin, Andrew, India, and his great-nephew, Logan as well as many cousins. The family would like express a special thanks to Dr. Mike Feltes.

A funeral mass will be celebrated Tuesday, September 1st at 10:00 am at St. Patrick Church 32 East Main St. Mystic. His burial will follow the mass at St. Patrick Cemetery, Mystic. There are no calling hours for Peter. The Mystic Funeral Home has care of his arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Norwich Free Academy Alumni Association in Peter’s name.

Rhona Suzanne (Hellenbrecht) Heyl 1963 – 2020

North Stonington – Rhona Suzanne (Hellenbrecht) Heyl, beloved daughter, sister and friend, died unexpectedly Aug. 8, 2020, at her home in North Stonington. Our talented, creative, hard-working, organized, efficient and beautiful daughter found this moment too difficult and took her own life. She leaves countless family and friends stunned and deeply bereft.

Friends and family will remember Rhona for her “sparkle,” as one old friend put it, her willingness to pitch in on any project, her many civic contributions, her competitive sailing skills and her seemingly effortless ability to organize amazing parties at a moment’s notice.

Rhona was a past president of the Mystic Rotary Club and past president of the board of trustees of the Mystic and Noank Library. She was an active member of the Stonington Garden Club, one of the weekly weeders who maintained the children’s garden in Stonington, among many other activities she supported. As a member of the Off Soundings Club and the Mystic River Mudheads Sailing Association, Rhona raced aboard “Sans Souci,” an Ensign skippered by Ted Parker. She also crewed on “Barfly,” a J/24, skippered by Rob Lambert out of Jamestown, R.I. She began her sailing career as a pre-teen, Frostbiting with her dad in Penguins at the Thames Yacht Club, she became the best foredeck crew ever aboard “Hellion,” the family’s Morgan 27 sailboat, during the 1970s and 1980s.

Professionally, Rhona was a Certified Financial Planner®, most recently working for Zeiders Enterprises, Inc., providing financial counseling to members of the Connecticut National Guard, helping them plan for their financial futures – from helping new military members learn how to budget to assisting seasoned members with plans for retirement.

As a Coast Guard spouse for 13 years, Rhona lived in Connecticut, Haiti, Washington, D.C., Long Island and Key West. During that time, she served as a vice president at J.P. Morgan in New York and assistant vice president of Lehman Brothers in Boston. As an independent consultant, she led the team that established the first customer relationship management program at Prudential Financial in Newark, N.J. Rhona graduated from Wheeler High School. She earned a BA in French from the University of Connecticut and a MA in international management at the American Graduate School of International Management (Thunderbird) in Phoenix, Ariz.

Rhona was born Jan. 17, 1963. She is survived by her mother and stepfather, Shannon and Roger Santora of Venice, Fla.; father and stepmother, Edward Hellenbrecht and Renee Beaulieu of New London; brother Michael Hellenbrecht of White Plains, N.Y.; and sister Renee Hellenbrecht of Cambridge, Mass.; stepsisters, Sandra Levine and Mara Simoneau, both of Waterford; stepdaughters, Taylor Muric of Falmouth, Mass. and Lesley Heyl of Norton, Mass. She is also survived by lifelong friends, “sisters of another mother,” Lisa Szaro of Westerly and Nancy Free of Groton; and her companion, John Tregenza of Avondale, R.I.

Because of restrictions for social distancing, the funeral and burial at sea will be private. The family plans to have a Celebration of Life, when we can once again meet in large groups. We are optimistic and hoping that will be next spring. In lieu of flowers, donations can be directed to The Stonington Garden Club in memory of Rhona Heyl. The Stonington Garden Club is a non-profit organization to which Rhona generously donated her time and talents. Donations may be mailed to The Stonington Garden Club P.O. Box 385 Stonington, CT 06378. Donations may also be sent to the Brian Dagle Foundation, dedicated to the healing of grieving adults as well as community education on suicide prevention and awareness. Brian’s Healing Hearts, 461 Main Street, Niantic, CT 06357.

To Plant Memorial Trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store.

Mudheads-

We have good news!! We have just received confirmation from the State that we can begin racing the Donzo Wednesday Night Series as of June 24th provided all racers adhere to the State guidelines.

This includes:

1. If a 6ft distance between us cannot be maintained, (let’s be honest here, almost all of the time while racing) face coverings must be worn.

The board has also decided to lower the registration fee to $175 for the season, registration and racing fees are due prior to the first race. Skippers must sign waiver prior to first race as well.

Please see the below message from our race committee for more details.

The midsummer party has also been postponed until July 29th, in hopes that we can safely host a party at that point. Please save the date, more details will be coming soon.

OJ O’Connell, Commodore

Dear Mudhead Racers,

This is an unusual year in the midst of the ever-changing Coronavirus pandemic and we hope you are safe, healthy and smart. We have planned a few changes to the “normal” season and we hope to salvage some good racing.

Here is a summary of plans so far.

1. Start the season on Wednesday, June 24th with a one series schedule of races through September 5th.
2. The Registration fee to race for the entire season has been lowered to $175.00 and must be paid prior to your first race. We urge you to register on Yacht Scoring now so we can begin to sort the classes. If you already paid a higher fee, you will receive a refund.
3. Waiver must be signed.
4. We will offer skippers the option of racing with your Spinnaker (S) or Non-Spinnaker (NS) PHRF rating to help those who may have issues finding enough crew. You will have the option of changing from one to the other ONCE during the season. Classes will be set up as previous years, with types of boats and PHRF ratings grouped together as close as we can depending on number of entries. If you decide to change from NS to S or S to NS, your rating will be changed but you will remain in the same class.
5. If we find ourselves shorthanded on the Race Committee we will consider use of Appendix U – Audible Signal Racing System – which is the three minute sounds only procedure detailed in the Racing Rules of Sailing. You will be notified well in advance if we plan to use the system.
6. We remind all Mudheads, their crew and friends about RRS 4. “DECISION TO RACE The responsibility for a boat’s decision to participate in a race or to continue racing is hers alone.”

The Race Committee is monitoring State and local guidelines and we strongly urge all skippers to do the same.

Information can be found online at portal.ct.gov/coronavirus. See Get the Latest Guidance. If you have any questions or suggestions, we are ready and able to respond. Please contact us at [email protected] or 860.625.0094.

More to come, so stay tuned.
Go Fast! Pass Boats! Tell Stories!

Mudhead Race Committee
Greg Gilmartin, RRO
Frank Murphy, PRO

peter cannningA celebration of Pete’s life will be held at Masons Island Yacht Club on September 7th at 5pm. The Canning Family looks forward to seeing friends and family who can come.

Peter Hill Canning was born in the early evening of Sept. 10, 1982. He was a beautiful baby.

He had a happy childhood growing up on Mason’s Island. His best friends were and always will be David Andrias, Tim Sheffield, Jon Ball, and Lucas Freye.

He loved summer, the beach and boating. He was a Legomaniac.

He was a good athlete and was one of the original SEALS Lacrosse Team. He was always grateful to his favorite coaches, Todd O’Donnell and Dave Schulz. Pete scored the most goals in the inaugural season of the Stonington High School Lacrosse Team. He later was the co-captain of the Williams School Team.

Pete was a member of the Mount Snow Ski Team He won his last race in 1997. The four racers that finished behind him that day became members of the US Ski Team.

Peter attended Deans Mill School, Mystic Middle School and Stonington High School. He spent his winters at Mount Snow Academy and graduated from the Williams School.

Peter graduated from Trinity College with honors in economics in 2005.

Pete loved boating with his friends. He spent many summer afternoons with them at Ram Island, East Harbor and Sandy Point…or just cruising the Mystic River.

Pete was the mainsail trimmer on our family sailboat, the Melges 32, Wild Horses.

He loved picnics, the Fourth of July and the New London fireworks. He loved any family party, but his favorite holidays were Thanksgiving and Christmas. Peter was a great cook, and he always made the gravy.

Peter was a financial advisor at Morgan Stanley and a member of the Canning-Bergendahl Group.

Peter died July 8, 2019. He leaves his father and mother, Bill and Suzie Canning; his brother, Will Canning and sister-in-law, Tracy; his uncles, Peter and Douglas Canning; his aunts, Sarah and Annabelle Canning; and his grandfather, William P.T. Hill, Jr. He was predeceased by his grandmother, Sally Hill, and grandparents, William and Marian Canning.

He will be missed by his cousins, Martha and Kate Canning, John Canning, and Caroline and Maddie Canning.

He loved his nieces, Sabina, Flora, and Louisa (his god daughter) Canning; and his nephew, William Canning.

There will be a gathering in Pete’s memory at The Masons Island Yacht Club near his birthday in September.

Pete loved seeing his nieces and nephew swimming and enjoying the water. He loved taking his friends and their children on his boat. A fund in Pete’s memory has been established at the Ocean Community YMCA to provide free swimming lessons to kids in need. He would want more kids to be able to enjoy the beautiful place he loved so much.

Peter Hill Canning Fund, Ocean Community YMCA, 95 High Street, Westerly, RI 02891 ATTN: Stacey Jackson
Published in The Day on July 13, 2019

Thank you to George Brys, past commodore. Welcome, Jon Bawabe, 2019 commodore.

Mudheads Go Boatin’ in Holiday Parade

Mudheads Go Boatin’ in Holiday Parade from MYS-TV Studios on Vimeo.

2018 Mudhead Awards announced

View awards >>

Mudnite Madness 2018 Winning Photo

by Luke Georgian

Sidney H. Petrie

North Stonington – Sidney H. Petrie, 71, of North Stonington, husband of 39 years to Linda (Olszewski) Petrie, passed away on Sunday, July 22, 2018, at Yale-New Haven Hospital after a brief illness and with his family by his side.

Born in Springfield, Mass., he was the son to the late Sidney and Ruth (Wynn) Petrie. He lived in North Stonington for 36 years, previously living in Mystic. He was a carpenter at Electric Boat for 30 years up until his retirement in 2009.

Sidney loved being on the water, as did his late father who was a merchant marine chief steward on board the SS Constitution. Sidney was an avid sailor and member of the Ram Island Yacht Club in Noank. Always on the water participating in events held by, Ram Island Yacht Club, OffSoundings Club and the Mystic River Mudhead Sailing Association. He could always be found sailing or helping friends around the boatyard in Noank.

Read more

2018 Mudhead Benefit Cup Photos

Thank you to Photographer, Carl Tjerandsen for these great shots!
View Photos