Late July and Early August feature three back-to-back one day CYCS regattas in one of the most scenic parts of Maine. The Maine distance regattas are the Castine Classic Yacht Race, the Camden to Brooklin Race, and the Eggemoggin Reach Regatta. These regattas are made up of one race and feature some of the best classic yacht sailing in the summer season. We talked with the organizers of these regattas for our Regatta Spotlight series to get a sense of what to expect this summer.

Next up, Tom Ashton of the Castine Classic Yacht Race:

What is the history and tradition behind this regatta, and how does it influence the experience for participants?

Tom Ashton: The Castine Classic Yacht Regatta (CCYR) was first formally run in 2000. For a few years before the formal regatta there were always a few boats going to Camden for the Camden Feeder Regatta. As many people know, once you have two boats leaving the same place for the same destination then the race is on! The CCYR also replaced the Camden to Castine race (non classic yachts) which had become dormant a few years prior to 2000 but was always a popular event on the summer calendar in Penobscot Bay. The original organizers of the CCYR were Bob Scott (NY32 FAlcon), Castine Yacht Club (CYC) Commodore Bruce Rogers (former owner along with his wife Debbie Rogers NY32 Gentian), Rusty Bourne and David Bicks who still remains actively involved in the CCYR today.

The original intention was never to be a stand alone regatta but rather another event tacked onto the Eggemoggin Reach Regatta (ERR) along with the Camden Feeder Race both of which had been held for many years before. This made the ERR a three day event celebrating wooden boats (and the ever growing and popular Spirit of Tradition class) along with friendship, camaraderie and friendly competition along the coast of Maine.

What sets the fleet of classic yachts at your regatta apart from other similar events? Are there specific types of yachts or notable vessels that regularly participate?

TA: The CCYR fleet closely mirrors the fleet at the ERR and Camden Feeder race since it is part of the full ERR weekend. Typically the fleet grows throughout the weekend as more people arrive.

What is special at your event to celebrate the classic yacht racing community during the event?

TA: A highlight of the CCYR was the symposium that was held prior to the Thursday race from Castine to Camden. Pre-Covid a particular subject or specific class of boats were celebrated with an in water exhibition followed by a panel discussion and Q&A at the Maine Maritime Academy. Topics included the designs of S&S, Herreschoof, Alden, Concordia, Schooners, Lobster yachts and Maine Boat Builders and Designers to name a few. Subject matter experts were brought together to discuss and celebrate the particular topic of the year.

What aspects of your regatta make it a must-attend event for sailors and enthusiasts—whether it’s the location, race format, social atmosphere, or something else?

TA: The CCYR follows the spirit and camaraderie of the ERR. There are no sponsorships or corporate supporters promoting the events. This allows participants to focus on the friendship, camaraderie, sportsmanship, classic and SOT yachts in a friendly environment.

How does your regatta engage the wider community, and are there unique activities or events that connect spectators and non-sailors with the world of classic yachts?

TA: The CCYR is a significant event on the Castine town calendar every summer and cannot be held without the support of the wider community including the Maine Maritime Academy, Castine Town Harbormaster and harbormaster staff and the many community volunteers that make the event a success. The town provides dock space at the town dock and businesses like Eatons Boatyard and Dennets Wharf along with private homeowners also provide dockage and moorings for participants. It truly is a community effort!