The 2018 ‘Round The Hog annual race was held on Saturday, August 25, under gorgeous blue skies and a perfect 10-knot breeze. Sailing days get no better.

The race is a self start, no protest, no fee race around Hog Island located just outside of Bristol Harbor. For this year we had 7 boats. The wind was directly from Hog Island, and we chose to go clockwise around with the upwind leg up Hog Island channel. Lulabelle (Carter Hall) got off to a good start, and headed up the channel leading the pack. We all squeezed upwind, and got a lift to get past land into the Mount Hope Bay channel. Everyone tacked to get around the lighthouse, and sailed another  long close-hauled leg to the upwind bouy. Remarkably (no, it really was remarkably!) Lulabelle was still in first. She managed to stave off a furious challenge from Bob Catani in Bramasole on the dead downwind leg. It was close racing, with the fleet continuing to race closer together. Rounding off the fleet finishing were Bob Rude in Apsaras, Lou Marino in Hope, Adrew MacKeith in Vexatious, Franco Rigatoni in Pau Hana, and Dom Meserli in New Hope.

And then to the barbecue at the Merino’s. Lou again produced his famous barbecued pulled pork, everyone brought dishes to share, stories were told, and the season remembered.

Gathering at Lou’s patio

The spread

Mr. Hog disapproves of pulled pork for lunch

Bob Rude telling a tale

We all had smiles

A wonderful setting

Mr Hog dines the next day still disapprovingly

The end of season ‘Round The Hog races and the cookout at Lou and Karen and Emilia’s home in Bristol are just plain wonderful. I know it signals the end of the racing season, but when my boat splashes down in May, I am already looking forward to the warmth and good feelings of the day. Our continued thanks to the Marino’s for hosting.

Oink-oink until next year!