Serena spent most of the winter at the Fort Lauderdale Marine Center, undergoing various systems and cosmetic upgrades in advance of a busy season of cruising, race support and committee boat duties.
If you happen to be cruising the Exumas in early spring this year, be sure to keep an eye out for this distinctive 74-foot Feadship as she joins the New York Yacht Club’s 2019 Commodore’s Rally, making stops including Highbourne Cay, Compass Cay, and Big Majors Spot. From there, Serena heads north to Newport, R.I., in time to fly the colors in the annual parade of member boats at the NYYC’s annual commissioning ceremony on May 11, kicking off a season in her primary role as tender to Dorade, the iconic 1930 Sparkman & Stephens ocean-racing yawl. The two boats will be berthed side-by-side at the docks of the International Yacht Restoration School in Newport, RI., where Serena will provide crew and race support.
The high point of the season for both Serena and Dorade will be the New York Yacht Club’s 175th Anniversary Regatta, held in Newport in July. Designed by Olin Stephens, a longtime member of the club and a legendary figure in the yachting community, Dorade is a sentimental favorite for many club members, and will take the spotlight in this event as she has in countless regattas over the last 89 years. Not to be left on the sidelines, Serena has been asked to help run the event under the command of Clare Harrington, chair of the NYYC race committee.
Over the course of the summer, Serena will also cruise in company with Dorade to other regattas throughout the northeast, including the Opera House Cup on Nantucket and several classic yacht races between Connecticut and Maine. Moored nearby or rafted alongside in each port, members of the Dorade racing crew will enjoy the chance to relax, dine, and sleep aboard the larger vessel. Fans of mid-century modern boat design are welcome to come by for a closer look. If you do happen to catch Serena out and about this season, please send us photos to post on Serena’s Facebook page.
