Experience the exhilaration of the Gosport Regatta by following closely along in the official spectator boat – the M/V Thomas Laighton - as a fleet of racing yachts vies for first place in the race around the Isles of Shoals.
The weekend events begin with a captain’s reception Friday, June 10, 2011 at 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. under the tent at the Wentworth by the Sea Marina in New Castle. Tickets to this reception are available at an early bird cost of $40 per person.
Saturday morning, for $55 you can hop aboard the MV Thomas Laighton which will depart Portsmouth from the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company dock at 1 p.m. to cruise alongside the race boats heading to Star Island. (Boarding at 12:30 p.m.)
Find out what's happening in Portsmouthfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The sailing race, which takes its name from the original Gosport Regatta first held in 1874 at the Isles of Shoals, is expected to draw hundreds of sailing enthusiasts and racing skippers to the Granite State. Competitors from ports as far south as Marblehead, Massachusetts, and north to Portland, Maine, will participate in the historic race, sailing vessels ranging from one-design J/24s to large cruising yachts.
Find out what's happening in Portsmouthfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
'We welcome Seacoast residents, sailing enthusiast’s and New Hampshire visitors to discover Star Island by participating in the 2011 Gosport Regatta,' Star Island CEO Victoria Hardy said. 'The traditional race offers guests an extraordinary glimpse of life as it was in the 19th century at Star Island and the opportunity to experience an exhilarating race at the Isles of Shoals. We look forward to hosting the New England sailing community at Gosport Harbor once again this year.'
Race day will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 11, 2011 at the mouth of the Piscataqua River near Kitt's Rock buoy (2KR). The Performance Handicap Racing Fleet (PHRF) pursuit format will start with staggered starting sequences based on class and handicap. The course will have both up wind and downwind legs based on wind conditions and will conclude in Gosport Harbor.
After the race, ticketed spectators and sailing crews are invited to come ashore for a catered reception and awards ceremony on the front lawn of Star Island’s Oceanic Hotel. The Funky Divas of Gospel will perform live during the celebration.
A regatta weekend pass offering access to the captain’s reception and the spectator boat will be available at an early bird cost of $85 per person. Race registration and ticket sales will begin in late March. For more information, go to www.sailpsa.org or the website below. Proceeds of the non-profit fundraising event will support Star Island’s programs and services.
