Morris Family and Firefly Dominate Antigua Race Week

Firefly struts her stuff!

Bimini up and Kids on the Rail - what a way to Race!

Firefly takes down a Swan and an Oyster

With easterly breezes of 12- to 16-knots on the water and clear skies overhead, the 40th running of Stanford Antigua Sailing Week held April 29-May 4 attracted a truly international fleet of nearly 200 yachts of all sizes and descriptions. The conditions proved to be more than perfect for Cuyler Morris and wife Cindy and kids Sam, Sofia and Thomas. The Morris’ are enjoying a week of racing sandwiched between a winter-long Caribbean cruise. And they’re doing it in style. With the kids on the rail and the bimini up for sun protection, the crew ignored pleas from many skippers in their 16-boat Class to slow Firefly down or to take the kids in to the harbor for ice cream.

Always the competitor, Cuyler said of the fourth race, “We had some trouble at the opposite ends of the race – our first beat wasn’t great and we had some issues getting around the last windward mark – but we sailed well in the middle.”

The Morris family was joined by Morris General Manager Will Ratcliff and his son Connor. Yachting World Editor David Pugh and Cruising World editor Herb McCormick also took in a day of sailing with the group during the fun filled week.

Herb McCormick reported: "My assignment for Cruising World and Sailing World was to get on as many boats as possible to really get a feel for the regatta. And I was very fortunate, sailing with a local crew on the 44-foot woody Cassa alla Volpe, on the Volvo racer Pindar (formerly News Corp), with some hilarious Aussies on a chartered Swan 48, and even on a Gunboat 62 cat. But the highlight of the week was my day on the Morris 45, Firefly, with Cuyler, Cindy and the kids. Not only did we win (Firefly was blazing through the week with consecutive bullets, and I was afraid I'd jink their luck!), but we did it with style and with a real family effort. It was an honor to be aboard that day, and a privilege to sail not only with Cuyler and Cindy, but especially with their children...they were all terrific shipmates and I think the next generation of Morris sailors looks like they're going to pick right up where Tom and Cuyler left off!"

On May 8, Firefly and family departed the Caribbean for the trip north. They plan an extended stop in Annapolis to sight see in DC before heading for home. They expect to return to Bass Harbor by mid-June.

For those interested Firefly will go on the brokerage market once the family returns to Bass Harbor For more information www.morrisyachts.com/brokerage
Or call 207-244-5509