And the Junior Sailors Have Launched

Some 250 sailors got underway at noon Monday July 22 from the Pleon Yacht Club's Stone Pier. 

Their launch signaled the opening of Junior Race Week outside Marblehead Harbor, said Pleon Program Director Erin Pierce.

The young sailors will compete in four categories through Wednesday, Erin said.

It was one of race week's largest fields but the competition got off to an orderly and smooth start, she said.

Booms in the distance signaled the start of racing and the clustered and still sails started moving from course marker to marker.

Pleon is a yacht club for and run by young people. 

It is the country's oldest junior yacht club that
Is not attached to a senior yacht club.

Race week ends Wednesday with an awards ceremony. Stay with Marblehead Patch for continuing coverage.