Nantucket, MA

PDF of print edition Former Sox give Friends big boost BY STEVE SHEPPARD INDEPENDENT SPORTS EDITOR       They lined both foul lines, eager to see their favorite Red Sox players of old up close and personal. On a clear warm summer evening, islanders were able to converse, chat, hobnob and otherwise interact with the heroes of yesteryear as they took on a team of Nantucketers who were rounded up and c... More ... THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAILS       Irecently participated in a sailing clinic held here on Nantucket. Actually, to be more precise, it was the "North U Performance Racing Clinic," sponsored by North Sails. It was a week's worth of both classroom and on-the-water instruction, all of it geared towards making participants better sailo... More ... The Levelers flatten Future of America BY JOSH GALVIN INDEPENDENT WRITER       Late inning run production was not enough for a Future of America victory as The Levelers got help from a seventh inning double play to stave off defeat this past Friday in the Rec League Softball game of the week. The win moves The Levelers to 7-5 on the year while Future of America drops to 3-7 ... More ... Annual Coffin Cup celebrates sportsmanship       Named in honor of Admiral Sir Isaac Coffin, who was himself a proponent of sail training for the young, the annual Coffin Cup celebrates the joys of sailing and the honor of sportsmanship. More ... ROCK RUN a footrace for the ages BY STEVE SHEPPARDE INDEPENDENT SPORTS EDITOR       Most people would find it daunting just to walk around the island, never mind run around it. But that's what a host of long-distance enthusiasts will do this Saturday, when they traverse the perimeter of the island in a day-long, 50-mile jaunt. More ... From the Sidelines       TWILIGHT 5K AND KIDS FUN RUN NEXT WEEK The eleventh annual Twilight 5K and kids fun run will take place next Thursday, August 9, at 6 p.m. at the corner of Beach and Easton Streets. Sign up for the race is from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the starting line. There is a $25 fee. For information, call 50... More ... BIRDS OF NANTUCKET SHAGGY-HEADED ROYALTY by Kenneth Turner Blackshaw       This week we are talking about the Royal Tern - not to be confused with the Royal wave. Oh, wait. That would be 'turn,' not tern. This is a bird we only used to see after hurricanes, a southern species dislocated by the high winds. Its Latin name, Sterna maxima, the largest tern, is an unfortuna... More ... BATTING PRACTICE AT SQUAM FARM       Lathered in enough DEET to fend off even the sheep out at Squam Farm, I stood, bewildered, staring at the edge of a swampy area at dusk, watching a bat do its jerky aerial dance over the tree tops as it searched for insects to eat. More ... NIGHTWANDERINGS 101       Before venturing out into the night, it's a good idea to heed basic safety and personal comfort advice. Bring a good flashlight and a compass and/or GPS (global positioning system) unit that are easy to carry if you get butterflies when the sun goes down. More ...