There was double delight for Moritz Hilf, owner and skipper of Max at the conclusion of the Annapolis to Bermuda Race.

The Pogo 50 vessel was the first to reach the island yesterday, completing the route of 753 miles down the Chesapeake Bay and on to Bermuda, to pick up not only overall fleet honours but also victory in the ORC class as well.

Hilf crew were followed in by Jane Says, skippered by Robert Dunigan, who picked up victory in the double-handed class. Other vessels who had finished by yesterday afternoon included Allegiant, skippered by Albert Bossar, Jake Kiggins’s Gallan USNA and Defiance USNA, owned by Larry Fraizer.

Bare Bones, skippered by John Tis and Himmel, were the remaining vessels to have completed the course.

Meanwhile, special guest entrant into the 22nd edition of the race Pride of Baltimore II, captained by Jan Miles, remains on course to reach the island by today, having endured difficulties after the start of the race.

The 156-foot topsail schooner’s refrigeration system completely shut down, forcing skipper Miles to signal to race organisers that they were withdrawing from the race. However, a quick on-the-water repair was possible, and the vessel to was able rejoin the fleet for the offshore portion. As of yesterday afternoon, the vessel was 78 nautical miles from the finish line.

The Annapolis to Bermuda Race has marked its return after a four-year wait. Eastport Yacht Club officials were forced to cancel the 2020 running of the biennial race because of the Covid-19 pandemic, with the closing of Bermuda’s borders the significant contributing factor behind the decision.