Take an inside look at what happens when super sailing yachts go racing._ Photos by Daniel Harding, Jr._
By
Yachting Staff
Updated: September 5, 2013
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Dinner-plate sized winches gleam on the 155-foot yacht Hyperion.
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Modern vs. Classic: The blistering-fast Wally 130 Angels Share (left) and the 180-foot Spirit of Tradition ketch, Marie, glisten before the first day of racing at the Newport Bucket Regatta.
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Owned by Netscape founder Jim Clark, Hyperion‘s interior is both elegant and inviting.
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The warmth of the rich-mahogany interior of Hyperion can make sailors forget they’re racing.
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All hands on deck: Sailors relax on Hyperion‘s expansive bow for a moment. A few minutes after this picture was taken the foredeck was filled with sails.
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Marie‘s size seemingly dwarfs the mansions behind her.
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A sprawling spinnaker climbs the 194-foot carbon fiber mast of Hyperion.
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That’s a whole lot of sailcloth.
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What goes up must come down. It took more than a dozen crewmembers to wrestle the spinnaker back to the deck.
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Hyperion‘s rail reaches down to touch the water during a particularly quick leg of the Bucket.
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The usually busy crew take a few minutes to enjoy the best seat in the house.
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Giants swap wakes and positions during the second half of the race.
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Super sailing yachts flying by can quickly distract even the most-focused crew.
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When a competitor passes by, there are typically a few people on both boats snapping pictures or video.
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Marie‘s spinnaker falls into the water while her opponents speed past Newport’s mansion-lined coast.
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Dream on, young sailor.
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Trimming the sails takes two people aboard a yacht like Hyperion, even with her hydraulic winches assisting.
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Steady winds made for an exciting downwind leg of racing.
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A 12-meter yacht sails off Castle Hill to catch a glimpse of the racing action.