Registration opens for the 8th Annual Camden Classics Cup

Camden Classics Cup © Camden Classics Cup

Registration is now open for the 8th Annual Camden Classics Cup presented by Lyman-Morse, taking place July 25 - 27, 2024.

Coming off a successful year that saw 86 yachts take the line, the Camden Classics Cup will once again provide regatta participants, their friends and families, and the local community with fantastic racing on the storied waters off Maine's coast.

"Every year, this event gets better, from the caliber of the participants on the water to the events on shore," says Holly Paterson, Camden Classics Cup event director. "Few sights are finer than seeing these boats sailing these beautiful waters and docked on the wharf. People come to this regatta as much for the beauty as the great racing."

As always, the Camden Classics Cup will be run to the standard of excellence that participants have come to expect from an event of this caliber, with Peter Gerard, a US Sailing certified National Judge and Regional Race Officer, and accomplished sailor, returning as Principal Race Officer (PRO). "Peter was a great addition to last year's event," says Paterson. "We're happy that he will be returning and bringing his high level of professionalism to the racecourse."

"One thing we're really excited about is the growth of the Camden Classics Cup Youth Regatta sponsored by Bank of America, now in its 7th year," said Drew Lyman, President and CEO of presenting sponsor and regatta host Lyman-Morse. "The first year we had 45 youth sailors and we have grown to 86 youth sailors in 2023! While the big boats are beautiful, and watching them race is truly something to behold, to me, the Youth Regatta is a very important part of the event. We're helping to grow the next generation of sailors. Seeing the skills and the positivity these kids bring to the water is more rewarding than any trophy."

The event will feature boats sailing under the Classic Rating Formula (CRF) and the Performance Handicap Rating Fleet (PHRF), with more to be announced as the scratch sheet grows.

"Stephens Waring Design has been a proud partner of the Camden Classics Cup since its inception in 2016, and we've produced the only premier Big-Tent Regatta Event of its kind, combining all types of boats," said Paul Waring of Stephens Waring Design, an Admiral Sponsor of the event and the sponsor of dockage at Lyman-Morse. "We have classics and custom yachts racing under CRF, production boats racing under PHRF, and small-boat daysailers and youth dinghies—we have a unique sailing competition with over 100 boats spanning 12 decades of design, all in one gorgeous venue."

And while the action takes place on the water, the shoreside experience is equally rewarding, and The Wharf at Lyman-Morse, the Lyman-Morse's newly renovated working-waterfront facilities, is an ideal destination for a summer weekend in Maine. "We're so proud of the work we've done bringing life back to this side of Camden's harbor," says Mackenzie Lyman, Marketing Director for Lyman-Morse. "People can stay at The Crew Quarters, eat at Salt Wharf, enjoy a cocktail at Barren's Distillery or a glass of wine at Paper Plane Cocktail Lounge, do some shopping at Motifs, or enjoy a morning cup of coffee at the Whistling Whale. It is truly a special destination."

In addition to providing great sailing, as well as the chance to visit Camden, Paterson notes that the regatta is also giving back to a Maine institution. "We're proud to once again support LifeFlight of Maine (lifeflightmaine.org), Maine's only statewide critical-care medical service," she said. "A portion of all entrance fees go to support their mission, which is so important to the local community.

Another feather in the cap for the Camden Classics Cup is their recent designation as a Platinum Level Clean Regatta by Sailors for the Sea. "The sailing and boating community is 12 million strong, and by running a Clean Regatta we can become a catalyst for engaging boaters to protect their waters," Paterson says. "We'd like to give special thanks to Bank of America, The Saltwater Classroom, the crew on American Promise, and The Rozalia Project, for taking part in last year's Coastal Clean-Up, which played a large role in the regatta being awarded the top level of Platinum this year!"

For registration and event information, please visit www.camdenclassicscup.com.