Classic yacht regatta season is almost here!

52' S&S yawl Mah Jong won Classic Class - 2018 Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta © Richard Sherman

Summer events update © CYOA

The Summer Season is right around the corner, and your boat should be in the water or getting close! To get you fired up for sanding and varnishing, here are a few updates on upcoming events...

On Saturday, June 2nd at 1700, CYOA will be co-hosting an event at IYRS about Classic Yachting and the Corinthian Spirit. Join our panel of experts and influencers for what should be a lively discussion about Corinthian racing including thoughts about how to organize and manage a low-key program sailing with friends and family.

Included in the evening's program will be a screening of Alison Langley's film NY40 MARILEE; Restoration of a Herreshoff Classic. This documentary is the culmination of a three year effort closely following the unique restoration of a Herreshoff masterpiece by French and Webb boatbuilders in Belfast, Maine.

Refreshments will be served. More information on this terrific event here!

One week later on June 8th, the 164th NYYC Annual Regatta kicks off with the traditional race around Conanicut Island on Friday. In a change in format for Saturday and Sunday, the classics will sail longer courses with a variety of points of sail as opposed to the short windward-leeward courses from 2017. This change will take a bit of pressure off boathandling and will make the CRF MkII ratings more effective.

In other news, Block Island and Duck Island YCs are teaming up to relaunch the off-year version of Block Island Race Week from June 18-22. They've issued a special invitation to classic yacht owners to join the party with a dedicated start on Thursday and Friday, June 21st and 22nd. CYOA Chair Chuck Townsend has even offered to host a post-race party on Thursday as well, so please come out to Block Island and join the fun! Information on the regatta can be found at www.birw2018.com and you can enter here.

In response to feedback from classic yacht owners, the organizers of the Vineyard Cup are changing the format of their event for classics as well. Classics will race on Saturday and Sunday, July 14th and 15th, around government marks on Vineyard Sound (NOT around the island). Saturday's race will feature a normal start, while Sunday's race will feature a pursuit-style start.

After the Vineyard Cup, the focus shifts to Maine and the annual classics fest on the waters of Camden, Castine and Brooklin. Drew Lyman reports that the Camden Classics Cup has added a wrinkle this year with a yacht club challenge - more information to come as we get it.