Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club Regatta

36th Annual
Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club Regatta
July 17th & 18th, 2010

    2010 Marks the 36th annual running of the Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club Regatta.  The regatta is a premier event on the Gulf of Maine Ocean Racing Association (GMORA) sailing circuit.  The regatta hosts many different classes of competition from PHRF handicap racing to one design classes including; Boothbay Harbor One-Designs, J24s, J22s and Christmas Cove One-Designs.  This year's event is the first half of the PHRF STATE OF MAINE CHAMPIONSHIP!

    The BHYC Regatta attracts between thirty to sixty boats from all over Maine to race two full days in and around Boothbay Harbor.  There are classes of competition for everyone including the hard core racer and the cruiser who want to compete in their first race.  One-Design class racing is fun and often takes place in the inner bay with close competition and racing quarters.  Racing classes often sail two to three windward leeward courses each day in Booth Bay with coastal islands such as Squirrel, Southport and Damariscove Island acting as picturesque backdrops and interesting geographical obstacles.  Cruising classes sail one long race each day winding themselves through the many islands and guts along the Gulf of Maine.

Location: Boothbay Harbor

    English fishermen originally discovered this area of Maine, back in the 17th century. Fishing, ice cutting, shipbuilding, and lumber were the local industries in the 18th and 19th century. By the 1800's visitors started coming to the area. Boothbay is the largest boating harbor north of Boston. In fact, it is sometimes called the boating capital of New England. In Boothbay Harbor there are many restaurants, souvenir shops, crafts and antiques. There are many motels, inns, or B & B's to choose from for your needs.  You can find many beautifully colored sailboats scattered in the bay. Boothbay is located in Maine's Mid Coast Region.

    The Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club was created in 1895 by act of the Maine Legislature following formative years dating back to 1870. In 1907 a clubhouse was rented in Boothbay Harbor and this club became a racing and social center for the active summer colony, with many yacht clubs visiting. In 1938, the club voted to adopt a 21’-class sailboat, the “Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club One Design” class designed by Geerd Hendel. Many are still sailing and racing today and new boats are once again being manufactured. In the 1990’s a class of J22’s was introduced.
    In 2000, the club undertook a major renovation of the buildings; the roof was raised and the interior completely redesigned and renovated. The result is an attractive and well-appointed facility, which provides excellent boating and dining services to the club's 325 members, and visitors, with launch service through the season to an extensive mooring area.
    The Club maintains a prominent role in yacht racing, with two series of weekly J22 and One Design Races with stiff competition. In 1987 the Commodore's Cup series of weekend races were initiated as a racing forum for cruising sailboats, with large fleets participating. Since 1974, the Club has sponsored a Gulf of Maine Ocean Racing Association regatta, a two day event drawing boats from all over Maine.
    Members also participate in a great variety of events at the Club, and in several summer cruises. The renovated clubhouse has extended the summer season, stretching activities through spring and into the fall.