Tiedemann Classic Regatta

At the Antigua Classic, I heard about two legendary maritime shooters, Billy Black and Onne van der Wal. After exploratory conversations, Onne agreed to do a workshop in Newport, where the Tiedemann Cup, sponsored by the New York Yacht Club (NYYC), would provide the perfect classroom for him to share his wealth of knowledge with me.

Reading more about the late Robert Tiedemann elevated my interest in this regatta. Bob was part of a culture of enthusiasts whose passion turned to obsession. This level of commitment then became the standard recognized and honored in the world of classic yacht racing.

In Newport, classic yacht racing is more than a sport; it is a living tradition celebrating maritime history, craftsmanship, and community. I was fortunate enough to enjoy a few decades of racing out of Newport and the NYYC, with several campaigns in the ’80s and ’90s, including my first Newport Bermuda race. Returning to Newport would be bittersweet.