Insights from Duane Farrar on the 2024 Boston Blind Open Regatta

An Interview with Duane Farrar about the 2024 Boston Blind Open Regatta

August 31, 2024

Sailboat racing is a wonderful pursuit for various reasons, from competition levels and crew work to adaptability and inclusivity. The Boston Blind Open Regatta, hosted and organized by Community Boating, Incorporated in Boston, Massachusetts, embodies all of these attributes while offering exhilarating racing and enjoyable experiences for everyone involved.

Since its inception in 2016, the event has been held on Community Boating’s fleet of Sonars, navigating the historic waters of the Charles River Basin, situated between the Longfellow Bridge and the Massachusetts Avenue Bridge.

Each participating team consists of four sailors: a blind helmsperson, a blind mainsail trimmer, a sighted tactician, and a sighted crewmember. Teams rotate boats between races to ensure equalize racing conditions.

I reached out to Duane Farrar, the founder of the Boston Blind Open Regatta, and vice president of Boston Blind Sailing, Inc., to gain further insights into this exciting regatta.

Can you give us an overview of the Boston Blind Open Regatta, its history, and its culture?

The Boston Blind Open (BBO) was founded in 2016 to provide blind sailors and sighted guides with an additional annual opportunity to hone their skills in a competitive setting. The history of blind sailing in Boston dates back to 1978, with racing introduced in 1991.

For many years, there were two annual regattas: the Blind Sailing National Championship in August at Sail Newport, Rhode Island, and the Harry S. McDonough Memorial Regatta in September at the Courageous Sailing Center in Boston. The BBO emerged in response to the discontinuation of these long-standing events to ensure that a regatta for blind sailing remained on the calendar.

What kinds of sailors does the Boston Blind Open Regatta tend to attract?

Although primarily aimed at blind and visually impaired racers and guides from the Boston area, the BBO warmly welcomes sailors from anywhere. Skill levels vary widely, from novice racers to national and world champions.

Do teams need to arrive pre-formed, or can Community Boating help create teams?

Teams can arrive either pre-formed or as individual sailors who are matched up with others to create a team for the regatta. Community Boating facilitates practice on their Sonars before the regatta, enabling participants to familiarize themselves with the boats.

Additionally, sailors are encouraged to join Boston Blind Sailing’s weekly Thursday evening practice sessions hosted at Community Boating.

What weather conditions can sailors expect on the Charles River in early September?

The conditions on the Charles River can be quite unpredictable! Typically, September and October feature warm, sunny days with steady breezes. However, being in New England means that weather can change rapidly. Winds may vary from light and variable to gusts exceeding 20 knots, with temperature shifts of 30 degrees or more. Rain and cooler overcast days are also likely, so sailors should come prepared for all sorts of weather!

What type of course shapes will be used in the Boston Blind Open Regatta?

Windward-Leeward courses are the standard for this event. This year, the integration of audible buoys, commonly used in blind match racing, may also be utilized as an aid for blind sailors, particularly beneficial for novices still familiarizing themselves with the racecourse.

Can you describe the onshore atmosphere during the regatta?

The BBO takes place at the Community Boating facility on the Charles River Esplanade, nestled at the base of Boston’s historical Beacon Hill neighborhood. This location is just moments away from the iconic Hatch Shell, famous for the annual Boston Pops 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular. Community Boating boasts a rich selection of sailboats, windsurfers, and kayaks, creating a lively ambience on weekends. The dock buzzes with activity, and the view of numerous sailboats gracefully navigating the Charles River Basin is quintessentially Boston.

A short walk from the Esplanade, across one of the Storrow Drive footbridges, leads to the heart of historic Boston, with numerous shops, restaurants, and attractions. Boston is particularly walkable, offering easy access to many historical sites. The regatta typically concludes with a dockside BBQ and awards ceremony, providing a fitting end to the exhilarating day of sailing.

What volunteer opportunities are available at the Boston Blind Open Regatta?

The event always seeks experienced sighted racers to serve as guides for blind sailors. Additionally, volunteers can assist with water-based tasks such as setting up the racecourse, acting as part of the race committee, or managing the flow of non-racing crafts to ensure safety on the busy Charles River Basin.

Interested volunteers can contact Community Boating’s Director of Sailing Programs, Sam Peirson, for more details on how to get involved.

Can you share any efforts made to reduce the regatta’s environmental footprint?

To promote sustainability, the regatta includes reusable Community Boating-branded water bottles as part of its prize packages. In 2017, with funding from 11th Hour Racing, they installed an energy-efficient water-bottle filling station.

Is there anything else you’d like to add about this year’s Boston Blind Open Regatta?

We are eager to welcome more blind sailors and sighted guides to participate in our regatta! Your involvement will enrich the experience for all participants.