49th Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club Regatta just a few days away

Rob Scribner
Mon, 07/17/2023 - 8:45am
The 49th annual BHYC Regatta and Shipyard Cup Classics Challenge begins July 22. Courtesy of Deb Swan
Fixing the sail. Courtesy of Don Snyder
Excellent viewing from either Ocean Point, Spruce Point or Southport should afford spectacular sights of sailboats under colorful spinnakers. Courtesy of Don Snyder
The race is on! Courtesy of Alison Langley

    Ahoy Sailors! Great racing begins July 22 with the 49th annual BHYC Regatta and Shipyard Cup Classics Challenge to be held July 22 and 23. Large colorful sails will be seen in the outer harbor on both days.

    Race Committee members have been busy organizing the most premier racing event on the Maine coast. Several local boats will be among the fleet of 60-70 boats expected.

    Several classic day sailors will be racing along with a complement of Boothbay Harbor One Designs, a handful of schooners, several spirit of tradition and vintage classics vessels.

    Local boats include Gleam, a former Americas Cup trail horse, Marilee, 1926 Herreshoff NY40, Black Watch and Polly, all part of the Vintage Classics category.

    New this year is a fleet of sport boats, Vipers, who will be racing against each other off Spruce Point. The PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing formula) boat fleet has over twenty boats registered and is comprised of many locally owned vessels.

    There are two separate racecourses, the first between Spruce Point and Squirrel Island and the second is a longer course for the larger yachts outside of Squirrel Island. Excellent viewing from either Ocean Point, Spruce Point or Southport should afford spectacular sights of sailboats under colorful spinnakers.

    Sunday, July 23 at 10 a.m. will be “Parade of Sail” through the inner harbor. Each vessel will be introduced from Whale Park and can also be heard over Ch. 72 marine band radio.

    The two day regatta is also the first race of the season on the Maine coast for the Classics Challenge trophy which is sponsored by the Classic Yacht Association and is a season long series of events including the Camden Classic and Eggemogin Regattas.

    The Shipyard Cup trophy is the premier award for the best performing Classic Yacht in the BHYC Regatta. This trophy is awarded to the “best of the best” classic yachts.

    Our Admiral Level sponsors are Hodgdon Yachts, Bristol Marine at Boothbay Shipyard and The First Bank, along with our many other sponsors to make this event happen.

    Complete information can be found on the regatta website at www.BoothbayRegatta.com.

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