New IC37 Debuts at East Coast Championship

Melges Performance Sailboats had a chance to chat with new IC37 owner, Doug Newhouse, prior to the start of the 2021 East Coast Championship at American Yacht  Club.

Andy Burdick: We’re here at the IC37 East Coast Championships. I’m here with Doug Newhouse of Newport, RI. Doug just purchased a brand new IC37. Congratulations, Doug!

Doug Newhouse: Thanks, Andy! It’s nice to be an owner.

AB: It’s nice to have you involved. You just took delivery of your boat in March.

DN: Yes, it was something that we decided on at the beginning of this year. We were fortunate to be able to put it together and get it here for this event. The first racing we did was last weekend sailing OC3 and now, this weekend is one design.  

AB: What are you looking to accomplish this weekend?

DN: I have a fairly young team – most of them are in their 20s – and we haven’t all sailed together. So, we’re trying to make the team mesh, make things gel, and do as well as we can do.

AB: I think you’ll do just fine. You have a good mix of people on your boat – lots of young, very good sailors and a coed team. And now you can have a Category 3 pro on your boat, which was a factor in you purchasing your boat.

DN: That is true. You know the class is interesting because it requires at least two sailors of the opposite gender –that’ll typically be two women, but not always. And now the class has one Category 3 pro, where the pro is allowed to do any position other than steering. That didn’t use to be the case; it’s new this year. From my perspective, that’s an extremely positive upgrade because they’re mid-size boats taking 8-9 sailors to sail well. They’re simple boats that require the effort and teamwork of a lot of people. Having a pro who’s capable of organizing a crew and managing a team is a huge benefit. I think the level of sailing of the fleet will be extremely high. The pros and sailors who are attracted to that kind of environment will lead to extraordinary racing, so I’m excited about it!

AB: We certainly have a number of excited sailors ready to start the season. And there’s a good number of events taking place for the IC37s, so we’re looking forward to it. We appreciate you being part of the Class, Doug!