| Thursday, June 27, 2019 6 pm
Moderated by IYRS Trustee, veteran sailor, and one-time 12 Metre competitor Jamie Hilton, we invite you to join us for a fascinating panel discussion on the 12 Metre Class with three of its experts: David Elwell, Peter Gerard, and Dyer Jones.
The discussion will feature tales and behind-the-scenes details about the 12 Metres' history, from their participation in the Olympic Games of the early 1900s to the height of their fame during the America's Cup years from 1958-1987. The future of these classic yachts is just as exciting.
Don't miss this prelude to the 12 Metre World Championship taking place in Newport in July! Complimentary beer and wine will be served.
About the Panelists
David Elwell is a veteran sailor who crewed aboard Intrepid in 1967, the first year she raced in the America's Cup, and again in 1970 aboard Valiant. David was Commodore of the New York Yacht Club from 2008 to 2009.
Peter Gerard is the Event Chair of the 2019 12 Metre World Championship and is Vice President of the International 12 Metre Association's America's Fleet. He is Fleet Captain of the Newport Fleet and first began sailing 12 Metres in the early 60s. One of Peter's favorite memories was as the Tactician aboard Easterner with quadriplegic yachtsman Paul Callahan skippering to a first place finish in the 12 Metre Worlds in 2009. Peter also serves as a US Sailing National Judge.
Dyer Jones started his career with the America's Cup in 1967 working for the Columbia syndicate. Dyer is a former Commodore of the New York Yacht Club and served as its Race Committee Chairman during the memorable 1983 Americas Cup when the NYYC lost the Cup after the longest sports winning streak in history. Dyer is also the co-author with Luigi Lang of The Twelve Meter Class, an authoritative history.
Tickets available at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/12-metre-class-a-storied-past-with-an-exciting-future-tickets-61880060928 | 
