Inka - Pearson Triton
The Herring Island Sailing Fleet was formed by local sailors who wanted an informal sail boat racing program open to all designs and sizes.
Most races start and end at Herring Island, which is now a sunken shoal in the Miles River opposite the entrance to the Wye River. The racing ranges from the highly competitive spinnaker class to the laid-back, family-oriented jib and main class. Through out the season we feature up to 25 races in all. There is something for everyone!
Herring Islanders also provide boats to help with the MRYC Jr. Sailing Program and our own Vet Sailing Program which provides wounded vets from Walter Reed Hospital the joy of taking a day sail on the Miles River.
The members sail their own boats or crew on other member's boats. Back on land, many members gather every Wednesday at 12:30PM for lunch in the Trophy Room of the MRYC. These gatherings are filled with lively repartee, insightful analysis of current events, and reiterations of ancient history. The Herring Island social events, picnics, and dinners are legendary. Please come join the fun.
History
The first meeting of the Herring Island Sailing Fleet took place April 23, 1976, more than 34 years ago.
The site was on Herring Island, a submerged shoal in the middle of the Miles river near the mouth of the Wye River.
It was necessary to schedule the Fleets' first meeting during low
tide. Even at that, the members stood in chilly, thigh-deep water during the meeting. 
The Fleets' first office, shown in the photo,
consisted of a table, typewriter, a phone and 2 chairs (underwater).
The Fleets' first Head Herring (Note: all officers are part of the Fish Cabinet and carry fishy titles rather than formal yacht club officers titles.), Hugh Kabler cut the meeting short because of the rising tide. ...the meeting had dragged on a bit over a discussion on spinnaker allowances. Hugh remained an active racer in the Fleet until his passing at the age of 92.
Given the history of the club, its not too surprising that the Herring Island Sailing fleet was conceived at a cocktail party. Griff Dodson, one of the guests, is a direct descendant of Dr. Dodson, who at that time was the owner of Herring Island when it was high and dry. One drink led to another and ultimately to the evolution of the Herring Island Sailing Fleet. (see bylaws here)
The first fleet consisted of 26 boats ranging in size from 26 to 43 feet, and is much the same today. "Our concept of sailing is that it's strictly for fun, our races will be informal and our members won't take them too seriously, although they'll do their best to cross the finish line first," said Hugh Kabler at the beginning. The emphasis on fun hasn't changed.