1956 Newport To Bermuda Race

1956 Newport to Bermuda Race In June, 89 sailboats at midday Left Newport and Narragansett Bay. We're on the way in a 635 mile race To Bermuda - a beautiful place. Light winds on the first day out Even sighted a large whale spout. Next morning at day light No other boats in sight. As there were none we could find. Are we ahead or behind? Sailing straight on the “rum line” Not a good idea at this time. As smart as it may seem Don't want to buck the Gulf Stream. And avoid all it's meanders Or won't get to smell Bermuda's sweet oleanders. Water temperature was taken with care At 78 degrees got stuck in the stream there. Now things began to change Wind started to howl and started to rain. Wind was now blowing 25 knots We were healing and bouncing a lot We secured the main hatch On our way to the “Onion Patch.” Time to douse the head sail And prepare for the gale. Rain and spray came through every crack Bunks were wet, where we sat. and down my back, It was now squall after squall I couldn't count them all. Shrouds and canvas were rope yard tight Sailing through waves in the middle of the night. Thunder and lighting above our tall metal mast We had to ask how long could that last? Wasn't the squalls that worried me most It's the Lightning bolts that could turn us to toast. The following morning the squalls had gone But the wind was still blowing strong. Glad to get out of those Hellish storms Amazing how well the crew preformed. But two became sick And had to get them ashore quick. Now it was not time to wait We used sun lines to navigate. The island is small and there is some risk We would sail right by and totally miss. At last Saint David's Light came into sight Our course and steering had been just right. Lots of boat damage and one boat went down It hit a reef but nobody drowned. Three days without sleep Are not fond memories to keep. Finistere was the boat that won Yet records were broken by almost everyone. The island is beautiful and there we had fun But was last race for me, I'm truly done.