All smiles as Sen. Kennedy sails ahead

BOSTON, May 27 (UPI) -- Friends of Massachusetts Sen. Edward Kennedy were all grins as he took part in a traditional 20-mile boat race up the coast of Cape Cod Monday, observers said.

Kennedy, diagnosed with brain cancer last week, needed just over two hours to take his 50-foot Concordia schooner from Nantucket to Hyannis Port, Mass, finishing second in his division in the annual Figawi Race on Memorial Day, The Boston Globe reported Tuesday.

"It couldn't be a more beautiful day," he said after the race. "We're with friends and family, and it's a great tradition out here. We always enjoy it."

Figawi board chairman J. David Crawford said Sen. Kennedy is part of the race tradition and a welcome member to the community.

"He's one of the guys out there," Crawford said. "This is his family."

Ted Kennedy Jr. said at an awards ceremony following the race that his father was in good spirits resting at home, but anticipated racing again next year.

"You know him: As soon as he's able, you'll see him back," he said.