Vigilant

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Vigilant

Vigilant’s co-owners, David Howard and John Hele have experience with the fast IC37 boats after spending the 2019 summer season, racing IC37s that they chartered from New York Yacht Club in Newport, Rhode Island. 

 

David first heard of the IC37 as the NYYC’s hunt for new boats for their Invitational Cup. David said: 

 

“When I did some research on it, I found that it met many of my own ideas for a great amateur boat – limited sails and electronics, limited to primarily amateur sailors and the requirement for both men and women to be part of the crew. I placed an order in October 2018 soon after hearing about the boat. It wasn’t until some time later that the boat was also chosen for the Canada’s Cup.”

 

Both David and John have a lifetime of sailing experience, and the RCYC Front Lawn, Club and grounds, home of the two IC37 boats, have been their stomping ground since their teens, over 45 years ago. 
 

  
 

Vigilant, as Defiant, was built in Westerly Marine in Santa Ana California, but didn’t make it to Newport as originally planned because the 2020 season was cancelled due to the pandemic. Instead, Vigilant made its way to Toronto to assist Terry McLaughlin and the RCYC team with the defense of the Cup. Vigilant was trucked to Toronto in September 2020 and launched for the first time at the end of March 2021. It wasn’t until restrictions were lifted in mid-June that she could go out, and now the teams are now fully into it.

 

 

Inspired by Uffa Fox, a designer of boats in the 1920s and 30s, John chose the name Vigilant. Uffa Fox had a boat named Vigilant that he designed, built and sailed about 2000 miles from England to Sweden to be in a Regatta. Before co-owning Vigilant, John had a Swan 42 named Daring that was used in the Invitational Cup since its inception in 2009, with Terry McLaughlin at the helm.

 

Seeing the two boats out, practicing match racing, is truly an exhilarating sight. And if you get close enough you’ll hear the competitive banter between the boats! 
 

 

Want to know more about Defiant? Click here for more. 

Posted: 7/7/2021 9:51:59 AM by Team Defiant | with 0 comments


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All about Canada's Cup Defense Team leading up to the 2021 Canada's Cup being held September 2nd -5th, 2021 at RCYC. 
The After Party
Spectating
The Canada’s Cup Defense - SUCCESS
Canada's Cup Day Two
Day One Reactions
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