In 1963 Cornelius Shields, one of the foremost proponents of one-design sailing in the U.S. conceived of a modern followup to the International One Design (IOD). The new boat would have the balance and beauty of the IOD while incorporating modern trends such as fiberglass construction. Shields commissioned Olin Stephens for the design. Over 250 have been built and many are actively raced in fleets around the U.S. Shields are sloop-rigged and usually sailed by a crew of three to five. No hiking straps are allowed, keeping athletic demands on the crew to a minimum.

Shield Fleet 19 sails out of MIYC and Shields can be seen racing through the waters of Fishers Island Sound on any given Thursday evening or Weekend day over the course of the summer.

If you are interested in joining Shields Fleet 19, there are usually Shields available for sale. If you would prefer to start out as a crew member, Shields owners are always looking for individuals who are interested in being a crew member for a race. Please contact the Fleet captain below for more information. 

The Shields fleet organizes three racing series during the summer:
The July and August Series is sailed on Thursday nights. This series usually starts and finishes its races within a few hundred yards from the MIYC dock.
The Weekend Series is held on five to six weekend days throughout July and August, either on a Saturday or a Sunday. Weekend races are often incorporated into one of the Invitational Regattas held by MIYC or another yacht club in the area.

Fleet Information

Fleet Captain – Al Burnett

Boat Owner(s)       Boat               Boat #

Dan Van Winkle.....Rip ........................7

Bob Banas &

Jonathan Jones.......Pearl...................64

Chris Wick...............Rebel..................79

MIYC........................Grand Biddles...89

Al Burnett...............Sophie............. 114