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. Jesse Terry gave us his thoughts on the Tiedeman Regatta:

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

Jesse Terry: First run in 2007. The Robert H. Tiedemann Classics Regatta is a biennial event run by the New York Yacht Club to honor the legacy of Robert Tiedemann, who is remembered for his historic contribution to the preservation of classic yachting and promotion of the 12 Metre Class. Tiedemann, who passed away in 2006, was known for helping establish Newport as a center for the class's racing activities. He also famously restored two classic 12 Metres: Gleam and Northern Light.

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?

JT: The Tiedemann Regatta is the first CYOA Challenge Series event of the summer. It kicks off the summer of celebrating classic yacht sailing and for some of us, forces us to get ready for the season in a timely fashion. It’s exciting to activate the southern New England classic yacht fleet including the local 12-meters - all with unique history onto themselves.

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

JT: When you are at NYYC Harbour Court overlooking Newport Harbor, after sailing watching the sunset, there is nothing quite like it.  We look forward to bringing together the classic yacht sailors at the beginning of the summer to celebrate the history, the preservation and the participants involved in the community. We plan to have a boat show at the newly expanded docks, along with a BBQ on Saturday night and awards ceremony on Sunday.

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?

JT: The navigator style races take boats around the iconic Narragansett Bay racing past lighthouses and under the Newport Bridge. Our PRO works hard to make fair courses so everyone can enjoy the day and get back to the club for an enjoyable evening.

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?

JT: We race right off Fort Adams where the public can come down and watch some of the racing. We navigate around the cruising day charter boats and other pleasure craft. It’s amazing to be a part of the prestigious backdrop that is Newport.

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!