Overall winner of the Concours d’Elégance was the stunning Herreshoff design ketch Arrluuk. A faithful replica of 1939 Bounty and a kindred spirit to last year’s overall winner, 72’ Ticonderoga, she was built in 1997 by Legendary Yachts.
Owners Steve and Tricia Frary, daughter Elizabeth 13, and son Nathan 11, have been cruising the Caribbean for the past fourteen months with the BVI and Bahamas on their horizon. Judges found it hard to believe that a family of four live aboard and cruise this magnificent yacht which brought about their unanimous vote for Overall Prize as well as first in Classic Class, Privately-maintained.
The Family hails from the land of Herreshoff in Rhode Island and appreciate their boat’s beauty and sailing ability. “Those seem to go together in a boat of this era,” said Steve. “Seaworthiness comes first and sailing it as a home, as we are, is second.”
The family sails it alone, sharing jobs underway and at anchor. “We intentionally bought this boat because it requires team effort. The sails are divided so the rig has smaller loads. It gives us a sail training platform.” The entire family is focused on new life experiences. “We want to show our kids different cultures and that there are many ways to live life.”
Cruising the boat has tightened the Frary bond and introduced them to a village of friends sharing similar values. “You immediately become bonded with cruisers.” Jokingly he added, “We have a better social life on the water than ashore.”
Sailing in the Classics was a total success. “This whole week has helped show our kids that working hard has its reward. The joy of competing amongst spirited friends has been a great education.” The entire family enjoyed the camaraderie, competitors giving cheers and hats off at the end of each race.
Taking home top awards was the icing on the cake. Arrluuk also earned a special limited edition LOCMAN watch for first in Classics Class as well as a Barrel of Rum and an inspiration to join the Regatta sometime in Arrluuk’s long future.
Jan Hein
Regatta Reporter
