2025 Parrothead - Summer Winds Find Challenges and Fun.

The NYRA 2025 Parrothead Race kicked off as usual with light winds and warm temperatures. But this was no ordinary day—it turned into a challenging regatta when winds plummeted to zero. Boats spun 360s, desperately chasing phantom puffs a quarter of the way into the race. 

The day started with Ray Redniss and his race committee managing thirteen boats to start.  Three boats; Harms Way, Water Phantom, and Dutch Wind sat it out—DNC due to heat/weather worries. 

The race began with boats inching across the starting line, slow but steady. Many veered left, hoping for wind in the river’s middle. Latitude Adjustment and others swung right, spotting steadier breezes on the west side thermals—a savvy move early on. By later midday, the wind vanished. Boats scattered across the river, east and west, bobbing in circles, chasing fickle, swirling puffs. After an hour, frustration won out. Many crews fired up their motors and chugged toward Oriental, abandoning hope for the two o’clock promised seabreeze, as a no-show. 

Then, like a tardy rockstar, the sea-breeze roared in—fueled by squalls that drove the remaining boats toward Oriental and the finish line. Patience paid off for those who stuck it out. Bad Fish, skippered by Ed Doughty and his seasoned crew, clinched first in the spinnaker class. Jeff Boeing’s Kokomo nabbed top spot in non-spinnaker, both boats securing first-place victories. 

By day’s end, everyone basked in sunshine, lounged by the temperate hotel pool, and savored grog, great food, and camaraderie. Another NYRA Parrothead Race in the books—bobbing then with wild-winds, and unforgettable grins.