A little bit of sun shone through overcast skies when a couple of Fair Haven River Rats were reunited as youth sailors sailed through fair winds and choppy waters recently to participate in the longtime borough maritime tradition, the Mayor’s Cup. 

The popular local regatta is hosted in conjunction with several area yacht clubs including the awards ceremony host, Shrewsbury River Yacht Club (SRYC). Neighboring Shrewsbury Sailing & Yacht Club (SSYC) and Monmouth Boat Club were also involved. The event features both youth and adult races.

Representing River Rats, Winston Fils, 8, and Isabella Schiavetti, both of Fair Haven, placed third and fourth, respectfully, in the youth division.

“These young sailors really made us proud and show great promise,” noted Youth Division Race Director, Joe Malik. He added that sailing is an excellent way to develop leadership and problem-solving skills. River Rats Skipper Jill Lynch said she observed some great sailing and believes that the competition helps sailors to build confidence and gain valuable experience on the water. 

The event was also a River Rats reunion of sorts, igniting memories of summers past for several graduates and former head instructors from the junior sailing program. Growing up in Fair Haven but now living in different parts of the country, long-time friends Daniel Raphael and Marcus Gasperini returned to visit old friends, to share memories and to participate in the regatta.

They placed second overall, sailing a Harpoon for River Rats. More than the race itself, they return to pay tribute to an organization they credit with helping them to grow, develop and find direction in life.

“Now I work on boats full time as a first mate,” said Raphael, who sailed as a teen and then became an instructor. “I was mentored and then became a mentor myself. All the kids I mentored and taught to sail are now instructors themselves. It’s great to see.”

For Gasperini, learning to sail at age 7 was terrifying for a time. “I remember the first week. I really hated it,” he recalled with a laugh. That all changed, and by age 16, he was an instructor himself, serving for seven years in that role including three years as co-head instructor with Raphael.

“I visit River Rats every summer and have great memories of helping kids who were scared like me,” Gasperini said. At present, Gasperini is studying environmental science, citing River Rats as the impetus for that interest and his journey of stewardship. 

— Edited press release from River Rats

• Scene Around: River Rats Reunited; Sailing on in Mayor’s Cup
• In Memoriam: Fair Haven-Raised RFH ’85 Grad, Ellen Golembeski Davis, 59
• In Memoriam: Longtime Little Silver Resident, RCDS Grad, Sailor, Bill Van Winkle, 92
• Retro Sea Bright Beach Clubbing
• In Memoriam: Rumson-Raised Red Bank Resident, Regina Cooke Clayton, 86