Spirit designer’s family are moved by tribute
Captain Scott Jackson and crew aboard the Spirit of Bermuda paid a fitting tribute to the boat's late designer Bill Langan at Newport Yachting Center yesterday.The short but moving ceremony saw Bermuda Sloop Foundation co-founder Alan Burland acknowledge Mr Langan's generous contributions to the Spirit of Bermuda.A taped tribute was also shown to family members of the late yacht designer below Spirit's decks.Mr Langan was a "fabulous ally and supporter" of Bermuda Sloop Foundation and the Newport Bermuda Race.Among the family members in attendance was Mr Langan's daughter Annie, who struggled to hold back tears throughout proceedings."I definitely think you guys did more than anyone could ask for," she said. "The boat is awesome and for you guys to do a special dedication for him was really special."This is the first time that some of my family members have gotten to go on one of my dad's designs, so it was really special for them."Mr Langan died in December 2010 after getting leukaemia at the age of 55.Prior to his death he participated in 20 consecutive Newport Bermuda Races.He was also technical director of the Bermuda Race and project manager for the 12-metre yacht, Freedom, that won the America's Cup in 1980.In preparation for the 1987 America's Cup challenge, Mr Langan was chosen as designer for the America II campaign sponsored by the New York Yacht Club."We are so grateful to Bill for his friendship, his superb design and management skills and his unwavering support of the Bermuda Sloop Foundation," said Mr Burland. "It is impossible for us to thank Bill enough."He was a wonderful decent person, a great leader and a real gem."Spirit of Bermuda is competing in this year's Newport Bermuda Race with a crew of 32 in the "experimental" 'Spirit of Tradition' Division.
Former St George's Mayor E Michael Jones says it's an "honour" to be among the crew aboard the Spirit of Bermuda on the sloop's maiden voyage in the Newport Bermuda Race.Mr Jones is among the crew of 32 that will sail the 635-mile race from Newport, Rhode Island, to St David's.Mr Jones said: "I'm absolutely excited about the opportunity to sail on Spirit on her maiden voyage in the Newport Bermuda Race. I think it's very incredible to get the opportunity to sail with young people as well as seasoned professionals, which is going to make this a wonderful trip."It looks like we will have a bit of quiet weather as we approach Bermuda. But other than that I think Spirit will show herself and do well and I look forward to a very exciting time."You can only do this once, so nobody will ever get the opportunity to sail her maiden Newport Bermuda Race voyage again. The 30-odd crew on Spirit are very special."Mr Jones said doing his first Bermuda Race the same year he celebrates his 60th birthday will make the experience all the more memorable.He added: "It's an honour to be on Spirit for this inaugural run and I think doing my first Newport Bermuda Race on my 60th year is going to make it even more exciting. I think it's a great opportunity to sail on such a momentous trip."I did the marathon (May 24 half marathon) for the first time and now I'm doing the Newport Bermuda Race for the first time so I guess next it's Mount Everest."I think there's a time when you look back in your bucket and you say 'well, what else is in that bucket that I need to get?' So this (Newport Bermuda Race) is certainly one of them."The 2012 Newport Bermuda Race starts today.
