Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club Regatta

34th Annual
Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club Regatta
July 19th & 20th

    2008 Marks the 34th 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.

    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.

Schedule of Events

Friday, July 18th

1500-1730.  CHECK IN.                              BHYC Clubhouse
Skipper/Boat sign in.  Pick up Sailing Instructions with starting times & locations & bracelets for beer specials & entrance to McSeagulls on Friday & Saturday Nights.   

1600-1800  REGATTA SOCIAL                    McSeagulls Restaurant
Beer Specials for regatta participants (must have regatta bracelet) and possible awards for feeder race from Falmouth, Maine -  TBA stay tuned to the Regatta Web site for more details.

Saturday, July 19th

0800-0900  Late Check In                        BHYC Clubhouse
Skipper/Boat sign in.

0930         Skippers Meeting                     BHYC Clubhouse
Scratch sheets will be distributed.

1130         First Warning Signal
Additional starting sequences to follow in succession.

1800-2130 Dinner Festivities                     McSeagulls Restaurant
Dinner at McSeagulls, choice of Vegetable Ravioli, Haddock & Chips, or NY Strip Steak w/ potato & veggie of day, $24.25 (includes tax & gratuity).  Call 207-633-5900 for reservations.  Seats are limited, so sign up EARLY.  "Jehovah Stover & the Holy Mackerels" band will be the entertainment for the evening beginning at 2130.

1930        Daily Awards                              McSeagulls Restaurant
Daily Prizes will be awarded to the top finishers in each race.

Sunday, July 20th

1130      First Warning Signal
Additional starting sequences to follow in succession.

1400     No Races will start after this time.

AFTER RACING - AWARDS CEREMONY            BHYC Clubhouse
Awards ceremony at BHYC clubhouse with complimentary cookout for skippers and crew.  2 complimentary drink tickets per competitor will be presented in the skipper bag at check-in, all other drinks will be cash bar.

Click here to see 2008 Notice of Race

    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.