Penobscot Bay Rendezvous: A New Regatta for Sail and Power Yachts August 18-21
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Organizers report that interest is strong in this new August event. Sign-ups have begun and sponsors have signed on to support this power and sail happening hosted by Lyman-Morse Boatbuilding and Wayfarer Marine.
The expected fleet of up to 100 yachts ranging from super yachts, to classics to performance racers, Spirit of Tradition sail boats, Picnic Boats and lobster yachts will gather in Rockland Harbor for Thursday night and will move to Camden Harbor for the following two nights. Local windjammers are also expected to participate as part of the Maine Windjammer Association’s fleet 75th anniversary.
On Thursday, Lyman-Morse will open their doors to participants for behind the scene tours of Lyman-Morse’s boatbuilding facility in Thomaston, Maine. That night the Lyman family will host the fleet at a welcoming dinner at the yard (Cabot’s son Drew runs the service business). Fireworks over the St. George River will cap off the night. Transportation has been arranged to shuttle guests to and from Rockland to Thomaston’s events.
Ted Smith, the regatta’s Primary Race Officer and Marc Lorraine, Camden Yacht Club’s Fleet Captain will officiate the weekend’s on the water activities. Three-days worth of fun and scenic courses and exciting and competitive racing will be offered.
There will be a class and level of intensity to fit every sailor. With PHRF Racing Divisions, Cruising Division, DH/SH Division, as well as Multi-hull and One Design Divisions being offered. Bucket Rules and Jim Teeters Bucket Ratings will apply for the super yacht division. The NOR and SI instructions can be found at the Penobscot Bay Rendezvous website Local one design classes are encouraged to sign-up; a six boat fleet will qualify for their own start.
On Friday, the power and motor yachts will take off on a Photo Pursuit. This is not a race; rather each powerboat will be given a list of well-known Penobscot Bay landmarks or features to photograph. The event will combine the navigation skills and creativity of our power fleet. A panel of professional photographers and other distinguished Judges will judge the work. Awards for the top three shots will be presented at Sunday’s Awards Ceremony.
Sailboat racing will be on a variety of windward-leeward and/or “around the buoys” courses set in Western Penobscot Bay. The fleet of power and sail will end up in beautiful Camden Harbor at the end of the day. Cellardoor Winery and Megunticook Market are sponsoring Friday night’s cocktail reception at the Camden Yacht Club, the regatta’s sponsoring yacht club. Awards will be given out for those who have distinguished themselves that day. Our marine photographers’ and the Power Pursuit’s images will be shown. Guests will then have the evening at their leisure to explore and dine in beautiful Camden, Maine At 2000h, a free outdoor screening of In Our Wake: Maine Maritime Heritage in Film will be presented at the Camden Library’s beautiful outdoor amphitheater.
Wayfarer Marine will host Saturday and Sunday’s events, in Camden. All participants are invited to take advantage of behind the scenes access to the talented crew of this world class, full service yard.
Saturday’s on-the-water events will include some dramatic racing off Camden Harbor. The power fleet will continue the Photo Pursuit to North Haven and Rockport. Saturday night’s dinner dance at Wayfarer is sponsored by Stephens Waring Yacht Design of Belfast, Maine will surely be a highlight of the weekend. Isobel, SWYD latest launch will be dockside for the evening and receiving guests of PBR. The 68-footer is an innovative and unique deck saloon fast cruiser and advances the edge of the Spirit of Tradition class.
On Sunday, after a final day of racing and after the powerboats have completed a Poker Run that will take them to Lincolnville Beach, Islesboro, Camden and other points, the Awards Ceremony at Wayfarer Marine will wrap up the weekend. Of course serious awards will be given for achievements on the racecourse and the winners of the Photo Pursuit will also be announced but in keeping with the tenor of the weekend special awards of distinction will be given. Everyone is sure to leave the weekend with great memories, new experiences and plans to return next year whether they have come from the next harbor over, from the Caribbean or other points.
The all-inclusive fee of $360 covers all events (2 breakfasts, 2 dinners, cocktail party at CYC and Sundays award ceremony) and racing for 2 people. $180 for each additional person and includes all events and meals. A limited number of Sail Only slots will also be offered $180 get you all the racing for the weekend. Mooring, dockage and launch service is extra. Registration is open now. The event is limited to 500 people.
Sign up today by clicking here
Sponsors include: Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, PretiFlaherty, Stephens Waring Yacht Design, Cellardoor Winery, Megunticook Market, Allen Insurance and Financial, Yachting and Cruising World and Maine Boats, Homes & Harbors Magazine.
For more information contact Marnie Read, Event Organizer Penobscot Bay Rendezvous 207-266-9381 www.penobscotbayrendezvous.com
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