Photo: Stephen Cloutier

Some may claim Rhode Island is the center of the American sailing universe. The placid summer waters of Narragansett Bay have welcomed sailors from around the world for decades. Three regattas in the Ocean State are part of CYOA’s Classic Yacht Challenge Series (CYCS). The NYYC Tiedemann Regatta, the Herreshoff Classic Yacht Regatta, and the Newport Classic Yacht Regatta presented by IYRS keep the history and heritage of Rhode Island sailing alive while providing CYCS’s trademark camaraderie and beauty.

As part of CYOA’s ongoing Regatta Spotlight series, we caught up with organizers of the three Narragansett Bay regattas in CYCS to get a preview of what’s to come this summer and learn more about what makes each of these events special in their own right. Jens Lange (Newport Classic Yacht Regatta) gave his their thoughts:

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

Jens Lange: Founded in 1980 by a group of Newport-based classic yacht owners and fans who wanted to preserve and promote the culture of classic yachting, the IYRS Newport Classic Yacht Regatta brings together yachts designed and built by some of the greatest American masters. For several decades the event was organized by the Museum of Yachting at Fort Adams in Newport. When IYRS School of Technology and Trades took over the museum in 2007, this beloved regatta was continued under their leadership and has been continuously run each year over Labor Day Weekend hosted on their downtown Newport campus.

Q: 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?

JL: Newport and Narraganset Bay are home to some of the most cherished and beautifully kept classic yachts in the Northeast, and this event is one of several opportunities for them to present themselves and race with each other from historic 12-meters from different generations to ocean legends like the S&S Dorade all the way to new modern Spirit of Tradition boats.

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

JL: Due to its long history, the Newport Classic Yacht Regatta presents multiple perpetual trophies and designer awards, such as the Atlantic Trophy, Sappho Trophy, Leiter Cup, Clingstone Cannon and Tom Benson Restoration Awards, awarded for trades such as gaff rigged boats, best S&S, best Herreshoff etc. A highlight of the weekend is the Classic Yacht Parade on Sunday morning before the races, where the participating yachts, often joined by some of the truly classic local powerboats, parade around the Newport Harbor, drawing crowds of spectators both on land and on the water.

Q: 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?

JL: Spending Labor Day Weekend in Newport is unique and fun - great restaurants, great harbor, plenty of Yacht Clubs to gather with friends and a lively night scene. The regatta weekend culminates with the Sunday night Awards Cocktail Party in historic Restoration Hall at the IYRS waterfront campus. With live music and open bars, the event is a celebration of the participating yachts, and a destination for both the regatta participants and the local community alike.

Q: 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?

JL: The Classic Yacht Parade on Sunday morning showcases the best and most beautiful boats to the public. The Sunday Awards Cocktail Party is open to the public at IYRS and is often frequented by plenty of locals who do not necessarily sail in the event but have a passion for classic yachts and for IYRS. The Newport Classic Yacht Regatta is one of the many gatherings on the summer schedule that attract classic yacht enthusiasts while also providing an opportunity to spend time on the IYRS campus.

Check back here on the CYOA website often for more looks behind the curtain of upcoming CYCS regattas! And if you aren’t a CYOA member yet, sign up today so you don’t miss out on the opportunities membership provides!