Annual Gosport Regatta At Star Island Sets Sail Next Weekend

The 6th Annual Gosport Regatta promises a spectacular weekend on the water on Sept. 26, 2015, with a family festival at Star Island on Sept. 27.

The storied sailing race from Portsmouth Harbor to the Isles of Shoals is organized by the Piscataqua Sailing Association (PSA) to benefit sustainability initiatives at the nonprofit Star Island, according to a press statement.

The Gosport Regatta has a rich history with the first race held back in 1874 with the famed America schooner besting the competition. Today, the race is open to sailboats in four classes of competition. Sailors register with the Piscataqua Sailing Association.

Spectators are encouraged to enjoy the competition from the deck of the M/V Thomas Laighton out of Portsmouth or watch the spinnakers unfurl from the porch of the historic Oceanic Hotel on Star Island. Everyone is welcome to Star Island for post-race events including an awards ceremony, live music and food. This year Star Island is offering a special family-friendly overnight package that includes lodging, all meals and children’s activities, capped off by a kite festival and barbecue lunch on Sunday.

Star Island CEO Joe Watts said, “This regatta has a wonderful seafaring tradition which we were happy to revive in 2009 in partnership with the Piscataqua Sailing Association. We are excited to offer an expanded weekend event that includes activities and fare for the whole family, along with a special overnight package so even more people can experience the nautical magic of Star.”

Proceeds from the race will help support Star Island’s sustainability initiatives including the largest off-grid solar array in New England and many other innovative water and energy conservation programs. Says Watts, “We are proud to be leaders in how we use our limited resources and appreciate the community effort it takes to create what has become a model of environmental stewardship. While we take advantage of advanced technology for water and waste treatment, we love that Star Island remains suspended in time as a reminder of the original mapping of New England by Captain John Smith, the bygone Grand Hotel era, and the continuous emphasis on enjoying the simple things in life. We are happy to provide a welcoming island community that values learning, spiritual connection, and respect for all.”

This is the last event of the season at Star Island, which welcomed more than 14 thousand visitors over the summer.

Package deal

Saturday Regatta Overnight and Sunday Festival - includes lodging at Star Island, three meals, taxes, gratuity, all activities and boat transportation to and from the island:

• One adult - $160
• Youth under 15 years - $75
• Couple (2 Adults in shared room) - $265

For more information on the event schedule and reservations visit starisland.org/regatta/

Star is one of the nine Isles of Shoals located six miles off the coast of New Hampshire and Maine. Home to the Oceanic Hotel and a fishing village from the 1600s, a visit to Star Island is a step back in time. Day visitors and boaters are welcome to visit and tour the island for the day, have a meal, or spend the night.

The 43-acre island is owned and operated by the nonprofit Star Island Corp. For those who choose to “vacation with a purpose” during July and August, Star Island is an all inclusive retreat with family style meals, children’s activities and themed “conferences” including world affairs, social justice, natural history, and spirituality. The June and September programs are geared to adults with topics such as birding, arts, music, writing, history, meditation, yoga, photography, and healing.

Learn more by visiting StarIsland.org.

The Piscataqua Sailing Association is the official organization for sailboat racing and promoting sailing as a sport for the New Hampshire Seacoast and southern Maine. The organization sponsors racing weekly starting in late May and running through September.

For further information visit sailpsa.org.