August 21, 2026
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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!
August 16, 2026
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More than 50 Thames Yacht Club members gathered for a special local screening of the independent mockumentary Canoe Dig It on Friday, August 14, featuring New London resident and Thames Yacht Club member Troy Sill, who appears in the film.
Directed by Samuel Dunning, Canoe Dig It takes viewers deep into the little-known — and apparently very serious — world of freestyle canoeing.
Sill, a SAG-AFTRA actor, took center stage at TYC to provide a behind-the-scenes look at the film, explain how he landed the role, and answer questions from members. Naturally, once things got rolling, so did the jokes, with members happily paddling into the many Maine stereotypes.
The mockumentary follows some of the country’s top canoeists as they travel to the Moosehead Lake Regional Finals Competition in northern Maine to battle for the coveted title of “Top Paddler.” It’s a world of intense competition, serious paddling technique, and enough Maine flavor to make you say, “Ayuh.”
Sill plays Hecker, a plaid-clad local Maine bait shop owner who also serves as one of the judges of the freestyle canoe competition. Hecker is the kind of Maine character who presumably knows everything and everyone.
“It’s incredibly exciting to have one of our neighbors and Thames Yacht Club member in a feature film, and we couldn’t be happier to support Troy and celebrate this accomplishment with him. Troy is a valued member of our club, and we were proud to host the New London screening of Canoe Dig It.” – Thames Yacht Club Commodore Colin Redhead
“It was a great opportunity for our members and the community to come together, support a fellow member, and enjoy a fun night at the club, complete with a special dinner, ice cream, and, of course, popcorn,” said TYC Vice Commodore Nina Jeannotte, who decorated the club for the premiere, complete with a red carpet.
The evening at TYC gave our “from away” members (the Maine term for anyone who isn’t from the Pine Tree State), plenty of opportunities to laugh and have fun with the film’s Maine setting while supporting Sill.
“It was quintessential Maine humor, and I loved it,” said Dave Jeannotte.
For Sill, the night was a chance to bring a little Hollywood — and a whole lot of Maine — to New London.
“I am grateful to so many people for making the event such a success,” said Sill. “Commodore Colin Redhead for saying yes to hosting the event, Marsha Couture for her outstanding publicity skills, and Vice Commodore Nina Jeannotte for transforming the clubhouse into a Hollywood opening-night wonderland!”
Among the many special guests were Lee Howard, editor of The Day, and Steve and Jenny Seagal of the Garde Arts Center.
The film is playing in select theaters in Connecticut and across the country.
Sill is a longtime performer with numerous Off-Broadway credits, including Trial on the Potomac, starring Rich Little. He has also appeared in a number of film and television productions.
For Sill’s complete screen credits, visit Troysill.com or check out his profile on IMDb.
July 24, 2026
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The buzz of two hand sanders filled the air on a beautiful Sunday afternoon as Thames Yacht Club members Ken and Nancy Edwards rolled up their sleeves to give the beach picnic tables a fresh new look.
Beach members for 28 years, the Edwards spent the afternoon sanding weathered picnic tables before giving them a bright coat of red stain—one small project that will be enjoyed by members and families for seasons to come.
“We had the supplies at home, we live close by, and it’s something we could do to help improve our club,” said Ken. “We had a few hours free, so we came down and got to work.”
For Ken and Nancy, volunteering isn’t about taking on a huge project—it’s about doing what you can, when you can.
When asked what keeps them coming back to TYC year after year, their answer came easily.
“It’s an extension of our backyard,” they said. “We have this beautiful beachfront property right down the street, surrounded by good people. It’s the best place for kids to grow up. Ours learned to sail and spent entire days on the beach making lifelong memories.”
The Edwards hope their afternoon project inspires other members to lend a hand.
“We all have busy lives, but there’s always something you can do,” they said. “It doesn’t have to be a big commitment. If you have a couple of hours, you can make a real difference. Every little bit helps, and when everyone pitches in, our club becomes an even better place for all of us.”
Volunteer projects like refurbishing the picnic tables help keep TYC looking its best while building the sense of community that makes the club so special. Whether it’s painting, landscaping, cleaning up, helping at an event, sweeping the sand out of the clubhouse or tackling other small projects, every contribution—large or small—helps strengthen the club we all enjoy.
“Thames Yacht Club has always been built on the time, talents, and generosity of its members. We’re a volunteer club, and this club belongs to all of us. Whether you can spare a few hours, join a work party, or take on a larger project, every contribution makes a difference. I encourage everyone to pitch in, lend a hand, and help keep TYC the special place we all enjoy,” said TYC Commodore Colin Redhead.
If you’ve been thinking about getting involved, take a cue from Ken and Nancy. A few hours of your time can leave a lasting impact and help ensure that Thames Yacht Club remains a place where members, families, and future generations can continue making memories for years to come.
If you are unsure about what needs to be done, contact TYC Commodore Colin Redhead at commodore@thamesyc.org
July 24, 2026
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During a blustery July weekend and hazy skies filled with Canadian wildfire smoke, three Ensigns from Thames Yacht Club – Russ Carr on Swoose, Eleanor Mariani on Runnin Down A Dream, and Eric Jones on Teamwork – raced in the 2026 Ensign Regions II & III Championship in Niantic July 18-19.
With a fleet of over 12 Ensigns, Jones, a longtime TYC member and his crew aboard Teamwork, mastered the challenging conditions to capture first place.
The regatta tested every crew on the course, with strong winds and demanding conditions throughout the weekend.
“It was heavy air, and we were the only boat sailing with a crew of three,” Jones said. “The breeze was up all weekend, so we spent most of the races hiking hard on the rail to keep the boat flat and fast. My crew did a terrific job keeping me informed about the wind direction so we could sail right on the edge without getting overpowered.”
Jones said the favorable incoming tide also played an important role in the victory.
“We were fortunate to be racing on the flood tide,” he said. “The ebb tide in Niantic Bay can create tricky currents and swirling water that make boat handling much more challenging.”
Joining Jones aboard Teamwork were Tim Stern of Rhode Island, who trimmed the mainsail, and Jones’ son, Rick Jones of Massachusetts, who handled both the jib trim and foredeck duties. Their teamwork, communication, and boat handling throughout the regatta proved to be a winning combination.
Jones has raced in more than a dozen regionals and this victory marks his second Ensign Regional Championship. The first was in 2015.
Jones and the Teamwork crew will next compete at the 2026 Ensign National Championship, scheduled for August 12–16 at the Toms River Yacht Club in New Jersey.
While Jones has previously finished as runner-up at the Ensign National Championship, he is hoping this year’s regional title provides the momentum needed to capture the national crown.
The entire Thames Yacht Club wishes Eric fair winds and following seas as he represents the club at the national championship.
July 5, 2026
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For 250 years the spirit of America has been defined by resilience, adventure and the pursuit of freedom.
Since 1932, the Thames Yacht Club is proud to be part of that legacy; honoring our past, celebrating our present, and inspiring the next generation of sailors.
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