Francis ‘Pat’ West, the original “Commodore”, for whom this great race is named was a renowned mariner and above all a character like no other.  From his early days of sailing the family cow to and from Martha’s Vineyard aboard a cat boat to his final years of racing in this event with his gaff rigged sloop Erda, Pat’s legacy has been imprinted upon Vineyard Haven harbor and the local sailing community.  Each September an amazing fleet of boats gathers to pay tribute to Mr. West, capturing his spirit and love for the sea.