Here's a nice article by Bill Wagner in today's Capital about Annapolis pro Geoff Ewenson serving as project manager for the Ker 40 Catapult.
Annapolis professional Geoff Ewenson played a key role in helping Ireland capture the Commodore's Cup, a prestigious national team competition held out of Cowes, England.
Ewenson served as project manager and tactician aboard Catapult, which set the pace for a convincing victory for the Ireland contingent. The Ker 40, owned by New York City resident Marc Glimcher, wound up as the top-scoring entry in the entire 27-boat regatta with a low score of 73 points.
In a real rarity, Ireland had the top three scoring boats with Quokka 8 taking second with 97 points and Antix finishing third with 98. Ireland's three-boat total of 268 points was a whopping 173 ½ better than runner-up France Red.
"To win in such commanding fashion was very rewarding and a testament to the preparation put in by the entire Irish team," Ewenson said.
Ireland previously secured the Commodore's Cup in 2010, but was unable to field a team in 2012 to defend its crown. Anthony O'Leary spearheaded the effort to put together a team for the 2014 edition and that is how an American boat became part of the Irish team.
Ewenson is close friends with Peter O'Leary, having competed against him in the Finn and Star boat classes over the years. The younger O'Leary knew that Ewenson directed the Catapult program and asked if Glimcher would be willing to participate.
Anthony and Peter O'Leary joined the Catapult crew for Quantum Key West 2014 in order to get a better feel for the Ker 40, which was then shipped to Ireland immediately following the regatta.
Catapult competed in the English IRC Championships, which Ewenson called a "chance to see the competition and evaluate our strengths and weaknesses." It was determined the team needed an upgrade on the foredeck and Ewenson brought in Annapolis resident Grady Byus, who works for North Point Yacht Sales.
"Grady is an amateur who sails like a pro and having him on the bow was a huge improvement," Ewenson said.
New York resident Garth Dennis joined Ewenson, Byus and Glimcher, who steered his own boat, as the only Americans on the boat. Peter O'Leary, the only other pro onboard, was joined by five fellow Irishmen – all of whom were classified as amateurs, but had significant sailing experience.
"We were very fortunate to find some outstanding sailors, some of whom had mounted Olympic campaigns in the past," Ewenson said. "We had the son of the small town butcher shop and an attorney from Dublin… it was a cast of characters only the Irish could produce. It was a great bunch of fun-loving, hard-working sailors who were committed to getting better."
