August 19, 2022 - We got the following note excerpted from the Wilmette Dolphin 24 fleet update

Greetings Ron,

I wanted to introduce myself and also provide an update on the Wilmette Fleet. I am serving as fleet co-captain of the Wilmette Dolphin “Pod” for this year, taking over the duties from John Hellmuth.

I purchased the Yankee Dolphin #163 Madison from Jeff Mathis a couple of years ago, renaming her Opo in recognition of a friendly Bottlenose Dolphin famous in the 1960s in my native New Zealand.

Best regards,Jeremy de Silva
Co-captain, Wilmette Dolphin Fleet

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January 31, 2010. Jeff is checking in with Madison, his Yankee # 163. She is a member of the Wilmette Harbor, Illinois fleet and her previous name was Umbria. Jeff's photos and email are below.

	A number of pics of Yankee Dolphin 163, "Madison".  I had a complete topsides renovation done in 2007 and did the hull in 2009.  I typically single-hand Madison and she has always behaved remarkably well, including in winds strong enough to bend stainless steel mainsheet hardware.

The picture of her going in is at Sheridan Shores Yacht Club at Wilmette Harbor. As you know, we have a very active fleet of Dolphins.  The interesting structure in the background is the Baha'i temple, which is perhaps one of the worlds' most distinct navigation marks.

 

Inspired by your website, I wrote to Sparkman Stephens and obtained copies of the original drawings, which I have enjoyed and have turned into nice art.  Thanks-

Jeff Mathis

Yankee Dolphin 163 "Madison"

 

Webmaster note: I count 5! Dolphins in the picture. We are working on identifying them

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