Like to watch sailboat races? You are in luck. There are a bunch this summer on Penobscot Bay, with contestants ranging from elegant old wooden sloops to the newest, leanest and meanest machines.
July 16-17
Annual Penobscot Bay PHRF Sailing Regatta, hosted by Rockport Marine and Front Street Shipyard
The race, from Rockport to Belfast, and back to Rockport again, is open to all types and sizes of sailboats. This year’s two-day Penobscot PHRF regatta sails from Rockport Marine in Rockport, to Front Street Shipyard in Belfast, on Saturday, July 16, with a return race on Sunday, July 17. This is a GMORA-scored event. Multiple sailboat classes will be available. Questions? Email news@frontstreetshipyard.com or call 207-930-3740.http://penobscotphrf.com/
July 23–24
Camden Invitational Regatta, Hosted by the Camden Yacht Club. camdenyachtclub.org/cruising-racing/camden-regatta
July 28-30
Camden Classics Cup
Positioned the weekend before the Eggemoggin Reach Regatta, Lyman-Morse Boatbuilding in conjunction with the Camden Yacht Club, will host a classic fleet of sailboats to the waters of Penobscot Bay, and into Camden Harbor. Registration is open and NOR and SI are posted at camdenclassicscup.com
The CRF Division will be open to qualifying yachts with valid 2016 CRF Rating Certificates Classes in the CRF fleet will be;
a. Vintage – built of wood or metal and built/launched prior to 31/12/1949
b. Classic – built of wood or metal and built/launched prior to 31/12/1975
c. Schooner – wood, metal or fiberglass
d. Cruising- open to any yacht with a valid 2016 CRF handicap No spinnakers are allowed in the Cruising Division.
The PHRF Division will be open to qualifying monohull yachts with valid 2016 PHRF-NE racing handicap certificates.
Classes in the PHRF fleet will be
i. Spirit of Tradition
ii. Fiberglass Classic – built prior to 31/12/1969
iii. Cruising Division – open to any yacht with a valid 2016 PHRF handicap certificate. No spinnakers are allowed in the Cruising Division.
iv. One Design
August 6
Monhegan Regatta, hosted by the Portland Yacht Club. Registration is open
This offshore classic moves back toward it earlier format and kicks off on August 6 with a start/finish in Casco Bay. However, since the USCG has removed the original turning mark off the waters of Monhegan Island, what will change is the course. The race will feature several shortened ocean courses, with class descriptions (double handed, single handed, one, two or three hulls, spinnaker, non-spinnaker…) and requirements affording the broadest possible opportunities for participation.
Keep checking the PYC website for additional information and a list of activities that will make the Monhegan more of an event than just a race, i.e. Boothbay Harbor to PYC race with junior sailors, jump on a One Design boat (Etchells Tuesday Night and/or J24 Wednesday Night), PHRF Racing Thursday, and Friday Cocktail portlandyachtclub.com/racing/monhegan-race
August 20
Maine Retired Skippers Race
“Our race is old enough to be in the Race!”
65th Annual Maine Retired Skippers Race, from Castine to points around East Penobscot Bay. Always the third Saturday in August. Here's a wish for sunny skies and fair winds! facebook.com/MaineRetiredSkippersRace
September 10
Around Islesboro Race, sponsored by the Northport Yacht Club, northportyachtclub.org/
September 17-18
Maine Rocks Race, sponsored by the Rockland Yacht Club, rocklandyachtclub.org
