PROSPECTOR SETS MARBLEHEAD TO HALIFAX RACE RECORD

Powered by North Sails 3Di ENDURANCE, Mills 68 Prospector sets new race record in Marblehead to Halifax race by more than 2 hours

The 363 nm race from Marblehead to Halifax dates back to 1905, and this year welcomed a strong fleet of 73 boats to the starting line. Charging into the finish at 16 knots under main and jib, the crew on Mills 68 Prospector was unaware they had broken the race record until the crowd congratulated them at the dock Monday evening. Paul McDowell, David Siwicki, Larry Landry and the Prospector team beat the record set by Tripp 75 Bella Pita in 2011 by two hours, with a race time of 28 hours, 28 minutes, and 50 seconds.

Built in 2008, Prospector is a well oiled machine. After building offshore experience at events such as the Middle Sea Race, Les Voiles de St. Barth, the Fastnet Race and the Pineapple Cup, she entered Marblehead to Halifax ready to show her best, and she did just that.

The breeze went from light to breeze-on, so they decided to hoist all three sails and were hauling the mail at 17 knots in smooth seas, feeling faster than ever and confident she would be leading the charge. Carrying the A3 and genoa staysail as long as they could, they went for a peel, which then favored the A3 and spinnaker staysail, allowing them to carry a better true-wind course.

“She was jumping and charging like an animal that wants you off its back, and only got faster and more stable as she figured we weren’t going anywhere”.

Upon arrival in Halifax, the crew celebrated with their onshore team – libations and cigars all around!