Great racing begins soon with the 50th annual BHYC Regatta and Shipyard Cup Classics Challenge to be held July 20 and 21. Yachts of all sizes with colorful spinnakers will be racing off Boothbay Harbor on both days. 

This year, special guest, around the world Global Solo Racer, Ronnie Simpson will speak at the Friday night skippers dinner.  As a combat-wounded veteran, Ronnie found his inspiration in ocean racing. Ronnie will join the competition on the water – stay tuned to see where he’ll be invited!  https://ronniesimpsonracing.com/ 

In the Line-up so far competing in the Classics categories:  

• Gleam, former Americas Cup 12-meter trial horse  
• Marilee, a 1926 Herreshoff NY40  
• Black Watch, a 68-foot S&S yawl  
• Polly, a 56-foot fully restored 1945 sloop 
• Spirit, a 47-foot Alden Schooner 

One Design Fleets: Vipers, J-80s, and Boothbay Harbor One Designs 

One-design fleets create competitive races as the yachts are fully matched by design rules. You will be able to watch all these one-design classes race off Spruce Point.  

The PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Formula) fleet comprised of boats from 20-55 feet in length has over twenty boats registered and includes many locally owned vessels. 

For Spectators 

Competition will spread over two separate race courses, the first between Spruce Point and Squirrel Island and the second, 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. You may also decide to view the races from your own boat. Just remember to yield the right of way to vessels under sail and please be conscious of your wake -and cross astern to give our competitors a little boost! 

The “Parade of Sail” through the inner harbor will start at 10 a.m., Sunday, July 21. Each vessel will be introduced from Whale Park and can also be heard over Ch. 72 VHF radio. Grab a table at one of our inner harbor restaurants to see the parade! 

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

The Shipyard Cup trophy is the premier award for the best performing Classic Yacht in the BHYC Regatta.  

This event would not be possible without our Admiral Level sponsors:  Hodgdon Yachts, Bristol Marine at Boothbay Shipyard, J. Edward Knight, and Clearstead Trust, along with our many other sponsors. 

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