Teamwork Put to the Test in Ensign Championships

Thames Yacht Club’s Eric Jones and his crew aboard Teamwork competed in the 2026 Ensign National Championship at the Toms River Yacht Club in New Jersey, August 12-16. Despite broken equipment and challenging conditions, the team finished an impressive fifth out of 23 boats.

Unfortunately, during one of the races, Teamwork’s starboard winch barrel flew off, leaving the crew without a working winch. They sailed the remainder of the race manually, pulling the jib in by hand to get it cleated. Despite the equipment failure, Teamwork managed to finish second in that race. 

The crew had to sail the next two races without the winch, leaving them exhausted by the end of the day. Fortunately, they were able to borrow a replacement winch the following day from an Ensign that was not in the water.

For Jones, the championship was a true family affair. His crew included his son, Rick; his granddaughter, Emma; and Emma’s boyfriend, Harrison. Eric’s wife, Lorena, managed the support and non-racing schedule, while his daughter-in-law, Kathy, took to the water to photograph  the races. 

Besides Jones, the local Ensign contingent also included Thames Yacht Club Member Russ Carr aboard Swoose (22nd place), Robin Durrschmidt aboard Magic (9th place), and John Moulthrop aboard Brimdyr (10th place), both from the Niantic Bay Yacht Club, and Mike Macina aboard Firebird (11th place), representing the Wadawanuck Yacht Club in Stonington.

The captains of the top 10 boats were awarded trophies, and each crew member also received an award.

The National Ensign Championship attracted sailors from across the country, including competitors from as far away as Texas. The event featured excellent racing, and a presentation by Betsy Alison, a U.S. National Sailing Hall of Fame inductee and five time Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year. Sailers participated in starting and maneuvering practice and seminars. There was also an Ensign accessories market, a Parrot Head Party, and plenty of food, drinks, music and fun.

After a week of challenging conditions, equipment problems and exhausting racing, Teamwork’s fifth-place finish was a testament to the skill, determination and teamwork of its crew.

Enjoy the great pictures!