Running Tide: Legendary S&S 61 Yacht’s Triumphant Return to Competitive Sailing
Running Tide is not just a yacht; it is a deeply personal symbol of excellence for the Van Metre family and many of the decades long crew. To many, she is the matriarch who has been entrusted for decades with the care and well-being of her family members and crew through many harrowing situations. Combining beauty, racing success, and the profound affection it has inspired in those who have sailed her, this iconic S&S 60 has been a significant part of many people’s lives. Running Tide represents the pinnacle of design, performance, and passion—a storied legacy that continues to captivate the sailing world.
After the Ida Lewis long Distance Race 2024, I had the opportunity to sit down and talk with Beau Van Metre, who was still riding the adrenaline of their victory. We reflected on the challenges he faced on the course and the moments when Running Tide truly came alive. Hearing Beau speak about the race, it was clear how much this win meant to him—not just as a sailor but as someone who has poured years of passion and dedication into this boat. Our conversation was more than just a recap of the race; it was a moment of shared pride, where the legacy of Running Tide and the family’s connection to it felt stronger than ever. Having spent five decades with Running Tide, I can confidently say that she possesses a soul. Every time she comes back to the dock whether there are smiles or faces of exhaustion and defeat, They always return safely, which speaks volumes in the often perilous world of ocean racing.
A Legacy of Speed and Elegance: The Birth of Running Tide
Commissioned by renowned big-boat racer Jakob Isbrandtsen, Running Tide made its debut in 1969 as one of the earliest stripped-out racing yachts. Designed by the legendary Olin Stephens and built by Huisman in the Netherlands, this aluminum-plated yacht was engineered for speed, sacrificing comfort for pure performance. Featuring a slender beam, extended forward overhangs, and a separate keel with a skeg-hung rudder, Running Tide marked a major advancement in yacht design.
Beau Van Metre got his start in sailing in his teens as he said he loved anything that would float. Starting his sailing on the Potomac just outside of Alexandria VA he quickly fell for the sport and was immediately immersed in weekly races. This quickly became a shared passion for him and his father, Al Van Metre, and together they formed quite a remarkable team. The Van Metres owned a few sailboats they competitively raced but these were all just preparation for what was to come with Running Tide.
Beau and Al Van Metre circa 1970’s1
In 1970, Ted Turner, an ambitious and respected ocean racer, secured a lease for the renowned yacht Running Tide, eager to test its capabilities on the competitive sailing circuit. During his time with the yacht, Turner’s admiration for its exceptional performance grew, and he became determined to make it a permanent part of his fleet. However, while Turner was leasing Running Tide, Al Van Metre, a passionate sailor and distinguished property developer, recognized the yacht’s remarkable qualities and began negotiating its purchase.
Despite Turner’s strong desire to acquire the vessel, Van Metre successfully purchased Running Tide while it was still leased to Turner and took full possession of the yacht in 1971. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in the yacht’s storied history. Under Van Metre’s ownership, Running Tide quickly became a dominant force in American offshore racing, often competing against Turner’s yacht, Tenacious.
The rivalry between Van Metre and Turner became legendary, with Running Tide and Tenacious frequently exchanging podium places at major events. One of the most memorable clashes between the two occurred during a Miami-Nassau race, where the final outcome was decided in the protest room in Running Tide’s favor. Through numerous victories, Van Metre solidified Running Tide’s legacy in the world of competitive sailing, ensuring its place in history as one of the most successful yachts in offshore racing.
Rivalry and Resilience: A Decade of Competitive Sailing
One of the most famous duels in sailing history occurred during the 1979 Annapolis-Newport race, where Running Tide and Tenacious battled fiercely. Despite Running Tide’s strong performance, Turner’s boat ultimately pulled ahead by charting a different course. After the race, Van Metre graciously treated Turner’s crew to dinner, solidifying a bond of mutual respect between the two competitors.
Running Tide continued to make its mark in the sailing world, achieving significant milestones such as capturing Class I honors in the 1981 Annapolis-to-Newport Race and repeating this success in 1983 with line honors and an elapsed time of 87 hours and 20 minutes. Additionally, the yacht won the overall title in the 1976 Newport-to-Bermuda Race. Over 15 years, Running Tide amassed an impressive record of more than 500 race victories, consistently outpacing rivals and excelling under various conditions. This remarkable winning streak cemented Running Tide’s status as a legendary vessel in the competitive sailing community.
The yacht’s triumphs were not just about numbers; each victory carried with it stories of skillful seamanship, strategic brilliance, and the relentless pursuit of excellence by its crew. Running Tide became a symbol of consistency and excellence, admired and respected by sailors around the globe. Its success inspired countless enthusiasts and aspiring sailors, further entrenching its legacy in the annals of sailing history.
Chris Paterson 6 Decades on Running Tide: First photo circa 1970 Chris Paterson and Jacko Alpress. Second photo Chris Paterson circa 2021 after extensive overhaul2
A Family’s Passion: The Van Metre Era
For over a decade, the Van Metre family sailed and raced Running Tide, The yacht underwent several modifications to stay competitive, including a higher rig that was eventually reverted. Beau Van Metre deeply treasures the memories of sailing on Running Tide with his father Al Van Metre, a shared passion that not only strengthened their bond but also filled their days with immense joy and fulfillment. These sailing adventures were more than just competitive events; they were cherished moments of connection and camaraderie, weaving a tapestry of experiences that defined their relationship.
Al and Joan Van Metre with Beau and Charis at New York Yacht Club Award ceremonies3
In 1984, Al Van Metre stepped back from sailing, and Beau planned to continue, even preparing to sail Running Tide around the world. However, geopolitical issues in the Suez Canal led to the yacht being left in Antibes, France, where it remained for over 30 years, changing hands halfway through that period.
Rescue and Restoration: Running Tide Returns Home
During its time in France, Running Tide fell into disrepair. When Beau Van Metre learned that the yacht had run aground in Saint-Tropez, sustaining significant damage, he decided it was time to bring Running Tide back home. In 2018, the yacht was shipped to New England Boatworks (NEB) in Rhode Island, where a meticulous restoration began under the guidance of Bob Sharkey.
The restoration involved stripping the yacht down to its bare metal, replacing the damaged deck, and addressing other structural issues. The decision was made to increase the rig height by around 10 feet, adding a carbon mast and ECSix standing rigging, which allowed for greater sail area without compromising stability. The original winches were replaced with six powered winches, and modern conveniences like air conditioning.
Inside the Remodeled Running Tide 2021 4
The Walk to Relaunch Running Tide 2021 after a long restoration 5
A New Chapter: Running Tide’s Triumphant Return to Racing
Since its relaunch in 2020, Running Tide has reasserted its place in competitive sailing, with Beau Van Metre back at the helm. The yacht’s recent triumph in the Ida Lewis long Distance Race 2024 highlighted the success of its performance enhancements and Running Tide is clearly happy with the Van Metre family and crew back on board.
The Ida Lewis long Distance Race posed significant challenges, including light winds that initially slowed Running Tide. However, as conditions improved, the yacht’s upgraded rig and sail configuration proved their worth. The crew’s skillful adjustments and strategic maneuvers allowed them to take full advantage of the changing wind conditions.
Despite Running Tide’s historical difficulty with downwind performance in light air, the yacht’s recent modifications played a crucial role in overcoming these challenges. The crew expertly navigated the race’s demanding conditions, including a critical phase where they had to push through fluctuating winds.
As dawn broke, Running Tide made a decisive move, leveraging the night’s wind to pull ahead of the competition. The yacht’s final performance underscored its enhanced capabilities, securing a well-deserved victory and reinforcing its storied legacy in sailing history.
This win in the Ida Lewis long Distance Race was more than just a victory; it was a celebration of Running Tide’s enduring legacy and the dedication of its crew. For Beau Van Metre, the success was a poignant reminder of the deep connection between himself and the yacht, marking a significant achievement in the yacht’s illustrious journey.
A Legacy Renewed
I take immense personal pride to see this exceptionally beautiful yacht back in competition and with Beau Van Metre at the helm not only because it’s a legacy story but Beau is my father. Reflecting on my experiences growing up aboard Running Tide, I am filled with a profound sense of nostalgia and pride. This yacht has been more than just a boat to me—it’s been a cornerstone of my childhood and a pivotal part of our family’s journey.
Charis B. Running Tide circa 19796
From early morning sails to twilight races, Running Tide has been a constant presence, shaping countless memories with my father. I recall the excitement of the races, where every maneuver and strategy was a lesson in both sailing and life. The sound of the waves, the thrill of the competition, and the camaraderie of the crew have all woven themselves into the fabric of my upbringing. Not to mention the exhilarating celebrations that followed victories in some of the world’s most prestigious ocean races. After each triumphant moment, the excitement often led to wild and memorable festivities, celebrating the hard-earned success with great enthusiasm. Amidst these celebrations, I was often whisked away into the whirlwind of the post-race revelry, fully immersed in the electrifying atmosphere and the joyous aftermath of our achievements. These moments were a testament to the sheer thrill of sailing and the unparalleled camaraderie that accompanies such significant victories.
The yacht’s recent triumph in the Ida Lewis long Distance Race was not just a victory on the water but a poignant reminder of Running Tide’s enduring legacy. Witnessing the boat’s return to form and seeing my father at the helm once again was deeply meaningful. It was a testament to the dedication and passion that have defined our sailing journey.
Running Tides Crew after the Ida Lewis Long Distance Race 20247
For me, Running Tide represents more than a storied history; it embodies the spirit of adventure, the joy of shared experiences, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. The yacht’s legacy is a testament to our family’s love for sailing and our commitment to preserving this iconic vessel. As Running Tide continues to navigate the seas, it carries with it a piece of my heart and a reflection of the countless cherished moments that have shaped my life. Just Now News.Press
Photos courtesy of Susan Van Metre, capturing the essence of Running Tide
8Mr and Mrs Van Metre, Alison Van Metre and Charis Van Metre Burrett circa 2021 Relaunch of Running Tide
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