After 20 years, MV Challenge Retires to Port

The sails have been lowered for the MV Challenge, a windsurfing race founded by U.S. Windsurfing Champion Nevin Sayre in 1988. Over the course of the event, which celebrated a very special 20th anniversary last year, windsurfers, sailors, and paddlers gathered for a weekend every September and ultimately raised more than $200,000 in support of Martha's Vineyard Community Services.

This was sailors giving back to our community. Every sailor challenged their own personal goal, and in most years some completed the arduous 55 mile circumnavigation of the island in support of MVCS. This was the longest windsurfing marathon in the world. Some years there were gale force winds and other years where the spectators had to blow from the beach to provide the breeze. Depending on the conditions, it sometimes took over ten hours to round the island. In 1996 Nevin made it around in the record 3hrs 17 minutes. (It is pointed out that not many power boats could beat that time.)

One of the great things about the Challenge was that it included an array of volunteers who otherwise might have little contact with MVCS. The list of volunteers who supported the event over several years is long, but special thanks must go to Sam Berlow, Sam Howell, Dan Weiss, Jack Ware, and Deanna Williamson. Then there is Keith Gross and his family who have been pillars of the event and who raised the most sponsorship for MVCS over the twenty-year history. It was recently agreed that the 20th year provided a great close for the event as we had experienced the most beautiful race day anyone could remember and many old friends gathered to participate in raising a record of nearly $16,000.

This has been more than an event for us at MVCS. This has been a reunion every year-watching young talented windsurfers grow up and then watching their children grow and join in the fun. We are grateful for the opportunity to know them and for the way they and their families have supported the work of MVCS to insure that we would be there to help other families. It's been a privilege to be part of it.

The Board and Staff of MVCS send a heartfelt thank you to Nevin Sayre and all who have participated, volunteered, and sponsored this amazing event over the past twenty years. We will miss you!