Summer might seem far away in the depths of winter, but really the Classics sailing season is right around the corner! Before you get your boat out of storage and plan your summer itinerary, we want to give you a peek behind the scenes of the regattas that make up the CYOA’s Classic Yacht Challenge Series (CYCS).

To kick off this sneak peak, CYOA spoke with Charlie Willauer of the Boothbay Yacht Club Regatta and Shipyard Cup Classics Challenge to see what makes these events so special:

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

Charlie Willauer: Four years ago, Ken Colburn and Bob Scribner, long-time racers at Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club (BHYC), reshaped the club’s annual regatta. They brought together the former Shipyard Cup, run by Tim Hodgdon of Hodgdon Yachts (the longest running family-owned boat builder in the country) and then added a Classics Challenge component. The result is the BHYC Regatta and Shipyard Cup Classics Challenge. Many competitors remember larger, PHRF regattas in Boothbay in years past but what has been really exciting is the formal addition of the classic yachts.

CYOA: 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?

CW: We're bringing together competitors throughout New England for some unique racing around the islands in the picturesque, Boothbay region. We’re striving to have the BHYC Regatta and Shipyard Cup and Classic Challenge be a must-do regatta for the many boats coming from Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts for a series of races on the coast of Maine. This year we plan to have increased participation from both PHRF and classics fleet. We purposely host our regatta one week before the Camden Classics Challenge.

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

CW: Bristol Marine, who runs the Boothbay shipyard, provides docking for participating classic yachts. As a lead sponsor, they are true partners in hosting the classics and promoting the Classics Challenge division of the regatta. Bristol is even providing impromptu repairs for some of these yachts.

CYOA: 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?

CW: The BHYC Regatta is known for the Saturday night dock party for all participating sailors and sponsors. We provide fresh seafood and culinary delights to 600 sailors and sponsors. The regatta party is like no other on the Maine coast and we intend to uphold this reputation in the future!

CYOA: 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?

CW: The BHYC Regatta and Shipyard Cup Classics Challenge is one of the main summer events in Boothbay Harbor. Many spectators from the region come out on the water to view races over the weekend. On Sunday morning, we have a parade through the inner harbor that brings many town residents and guests together to watch the beautiful yachts. Many businesses in the local area are sponsors which helps bring the community together to support the regatta. Aside from the regatta, and their own members, BHYC is committed to promoting sailing and racing on the peninsula. BHYC runs junior and adult sailing programs for sailors in the community.

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