Benedict Arnold Race PHRF

Event Date: Sat - 10/5/2024

Event begins at: 1100

Coordinator: Allen Baker

General Description:
This race commemorates the Revolutionary War naval Battle of Valcour which occurred on Friday, October 11, 1776, between an American fleet commanded by Benedict Arnold and a British fleet under the authority of Sir Guy Carleton, though he was not the operational commander.
The weather that day was clear with a northerly wind. Snow could be seen on the mountains. The American fleet was anchored across the Valcour Channel from near Bluff Point to the New York shore. There were 500 non-sailors in this fleet. The British fleet, 700 sailors, had passed the eastern shore of Valcour Island the previous day, sailing south. In order to attack the American fleet, the British fleet had proceeded to windward up the Valcour Channel by tacking and rowing.
The first British ship was sighted by the Americans at 8 AM. The battle commenced three hours later at 11 AM with the main forces joining battle at 12:30 PM. The battle ended at 5 PM. During the battle Arnold's flag ship was sunk.
Event: This race commemorates the Revolutionary War Naval Battle of Valcour.
Eligibility: Open to all member and non-member boats with a Lake Champlain PHRF handicap.
Registration: At the Signal Boat.
Venue: Lake Champlain west of outer Malletts Bay. Start and Finish near Carlton Prize.
Course: Random leg distance race (see Sailing Instructions).
Awards: The Benedict Arnold Trophy will be awarded at the MBBC Annual Banquet.

Sailing Instructions