CAMDEN, MAINE: Participants in the past 3 iterations have all enjoyed the Camden Classics Cup with its scenery, location in the lovely and welcoming town of Camden; and top shelf, post-race parties. On the race course, what this year’s participants got in addition to professionally managed race organization was perfect racing conditions. Southwesterlies in the teens kept every boat moving swiftly, visibility was unlimited, and there was never even a speck of rain on the radar. Racers with many decades of experience reported the 2019 CCC as the best regatta they’ve ever participated in – and we won’t dispute them!
75 yachts gathered in West Penobscot Bay Boats on July 25 in preparation for the two-day regatta, creating a stunning display of classics in picture-perfect Camden Harbor. “The town of Camden put out the welcome mat for the fleet, and has really embraced this regatta. This is one of the many reasons we love being in Camden,” said Drew Lyman, president of Lyman-Morse, which presents the regatta and its related community events. “It was great seeing all the people who came out for the Parade of Sail and fireworks on Saturday.” Yachts came in from the Caribbean, Long Island Sound, across New England and up and down the coast of Maine to participate in this destination regatta. The upward trend of participation continues, up from 68 boats last year and 39 boats in 2017.
The Camden Classics Cup also included a Youth Regatta of sailors from local clubs racing in 420s. They ran eight races on Friday, July 26th in a steady southerly wind, that built up throughout the morning from 5 knots to 10, with gusts up to 15. This year North Sails sent Kimo Worthington and Will Welles, both accomplished professional sailors, to offer on-the-water coaching and pre and post-race analysis. This group of next generation of competitors and coaches soaked up the information.
The Classics, Vintage, and Modern Classics classes competed for the overall trophy, a stunning sterling silver Tiffany champagne bucket. After two days of racing and two tie-breakers Silent Maid, 33’ Catboat came out on top and was named the Overall Winner. First place in the Spirit of Tradition Class was won by Anna, the Lyman-Morse built and Stephens Waring designed 65’ Sloop.
In addition to racing, the fleet participated in a Saturday Parade of Sail around Camden’s inner harbor. Hundreds viewed from the Public Landing where Harbor Master Steve Pixley and MaineLIfe Media’s Erin Ovalle provided colorful commentary, or else watched from rooftop bars, Harbor Park, and all along the waterfront. Led by the regatta’s committee boat Atlantide, the 122’ motorsailer that participated in the evacuation of Dunkirk, the spectacle was one that no one will forget.
Just prior to the Parade, the Second Annual All Comers Row & Paddle Race was held. Six racers competed in everything from canoes, kayaks, row boats, and dinghies. Organizers might have to plan on dividing them into classes in future because Lance and Elias Baldwin of Washington, DC, in a canoe smoked the field. Other attractions included the Mid Maine Sports Car Club with a display of their classic European sports cars. Fireworks over Curtis Island Presented by Camden National Bank literally capped off the regatta.
The Camden Classics Cup is always scheduled for the weekend prior to the Eggemoggin Reach Regatta, one of the most popular classic yacht races in New England, and is followed by Camden Classics Week, featuring a variety of maritime-related events and destination racing to Castine, Brooklin and the outer islands. It all sets up a full week of racing, cruising, and camaraderie. The town of Camden and its businesses embrace the maritime theme with art displays, a classic car expo, lectures, music and film, plenty of youth events and fun for the entire family all centered on the waterfront of beautiful Camden.
The Camden Classics Cup is a Sailors for the Sea Silver Level regatta. Water filling stations and JustWater was available. Glassware or compostable products were used in the bars. Click here for a full outline of best practices followed by the Camden Classics Cup. To complement the Green purpose, the regatta organized two special speakers:
Sunday, July 28
• 3:30 p.m. Steve Brown, S/V Novara Award-Winning adventure sailor. "Plastics in our Ocean: Discoveries & Solutions", talk and discussion, Camden Public Library
Thursday, August 1
• 4 p.m. Dr. Jennifer Seavey: "What Seabirds Tell Us About the Health of the Gulf of Maine” Camden Public Library
Click here for a complete schedule of events.
Next year’s dates have been set! Mark your calendars for July 23-25, 2020.
We would like to also thank our sponsors for their generous contribution and support. Admiral Sponsor: Stephens Waring Yacht Design; Commodore Sponsor: Allen Insurance & Financial;Fireworks Sponsor: Camden National Bank; Partner Sponsors: Artisan Boatworks, AwlGrip, Browne Trading Company, Maine Boats, Homes & Harbors; Points East, Teakdecking Systems, The Camden Herald, WoodenBoat; Marine Sponsors: AGA Correa & Son; Camden Real Estate, Chubb, Epifanes, James Gribbel and Stephen Roop at Morgan Stanley; Jeff’s Marine, LandVest, NorthSails, Sea Bags; Classic Sponsors: Bangor Savings Bank, The First, Maine Casual, Margo Moore, Merrill Lynch, Norumbega Inn, P.G. Willey & Co.; Thompson Bowie & Hatch; Weather Routing; Local Sponsors: Birchwood Eco Inn & Farmette; Camden Falls Gallery, CW Hayden, Elm Street Marketing Essentials, Hamilton Marine, Maritime Energy, Martha Coolidge Design, Robert Eddy Classic Yacht Models, 250 Main Hotel; With Support from: Camden Yacht Club, Classic Yacht Owners Association.
For more information visit: www.camdenclassicscup.com
