29 May After the Around Block Island Race
The 2011 AAOT’s first event, Around Block Island, was a success.Vanquish finished with a strong 2nd in their division, and 27th out of 58 boats.
The race started out light, after ducking Rambler at the start Vanquish headed towards the Long Island Shore. Steve Benjamin helped the team glide through the transition and ride a southwesterly towards Block Island ahead of Rambler.
It was the first race with the full 2011 team, and the wind slowly built up to 16 knots until sunset. As the sun sunk the wind became less consistant and flickered on and off for the rest of the evening until Vanquish rounded Block Island around midnight.
The team used their full quiver of sails and the Bens (Ben Quatromoni and Ben Allen) got them up and down quickly and efficiently. There was an hour period with at least seven sail changes. “It was busy” said bowman Ben Allen with a smile. 
It was a good experience. The team found out some areas they need to work on, but also realized that they sincerely enjoy sailing together and are excited to push themselves across the Atlantic in July.
The team would like to thank Steve Benjamin for his amazing advice, and for rounding Block Island once again with them. “We also want thank to the race committee and all of the other competitors for a great race. It was my first Around Block Island race and I would love to come back next year” said Molly Robinson.
To see more Photos of Around Block Island Race