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The New Hampshire Seacoast will come alive in early June as a fleet of racing yachts from coastal New England vie for honors in the Gosport Regatta, the resurgence of a vintage sailing race around the Isles of Shoals first held in the late 19th century.

After a successful revival of this historic regatta in 2010, Star Island Corporation will host the Third Annual Gosport Regatta Saturday, June 9, 2012, in partnership with the Piscataqua Sailing Association (PSA). The premier regional pursuit race also kicks off the summer conference season at Star Island, one of the rocky, wind-swept Isles of Shoals, located six miles off the coast of Rye. Star Island is a recreation destination for day and overnight guests who travel to the island by ferry, charter, or in their own boats.

The sailing race, which takes its name from the original Gosport Regatta first held in 1874 at the Isles of Shoals, is expected to draw hundreds of sailing enthusiasts and racing skippers to the Granite State. Competitors from ports as far south as Marblehead, Massachusetts, and north to Portland, Maine, will participate in the historic race, sailing vessels ranging from one-design J/24s to large cruising yachts.

“We welcome Seacoast residents, sailing enthusiast s and New Hampshire visitors to discover Star Island by participating in the 2012 Gosport Regatta,” Star Island CEO Victoria Hardy said. “The traditional race offers guests an extraordinary glimpse of life as it was in the 19th century at Star Island and the opportunity to experience an exhilarating race at the Isles of Shoals. We look forward to hosting the New England sailing community at Gosport Harbor once again this year.”

The original race was organized by John Poor, president of the Stickney & Poor Spice Trading Company, to celebrate the grand opening of Star Island’s Oceanic Hotel. More than 50 boats participated in the first race. The race was won by the famous yacht America in 1875─ the sailboat for which the America’s Cup is named.

“We had a great event in 2010 & 2011 with over 37 boats racing and more than 300 spectators each year” said PSA Commodore Jim McCarthy. “Our competitors had a great time and all plan to return for the 2012 race. We expect an even larger racing fleet this year, with boats visiting from Maine to Massachusetts. “We are happy to be a part of bringing back such a traditional and high-profile regatta to the New Hampshire Seacoast.”