
Local sailing legend Dennis Conner is adding to his fleet in America’s Cup Harbor. Last month, the Dennis Conner Store opened its doors on Shelter Island. “Dennis had all of these beautiful models and all of this artwork, and he just really wanted to share a little piece of his history with his fans and people who have interest in the America’s Cup and sailing,” said store manager Julie Servais. The Dennis Conner Store is part museum, part art gallery and part gift shop. The highlight of the museum is the handcrafted boat models by Newport Beach model maker Ken Gardiner. “We have a collection of Dennis’s models from different America’s Cup matches throughout the years,” Servais said. “They are all built by the same guy and they are all built to the same scale. They are very special and very unique.” Servais said the gallery will regularly include different items, including photos and trophies. The walls of the museum feature memorabilia and Conner’s original sailing-themed art, which is also for sale. “It’s a different series of different boats he sailed on and things like that,” Servais said. The gift shop sells sailing apparel that highlights Conner’s America, Stars & Stripes and Cotton Blossom vessels. Small sailing gifts are also for sale in the shop. Dennis Conner Store is located at 2302 Shelter Island Drive. The store is online at www.dennisconner.com.








