The 2023 Great Schooner Race

July 14, 2023

And soon-to-be-famous small boat regatta

The 46^th annual Great Schooner Race took place on Friday, July 7^th. Guests aboard the participating vessels were treated to a day of phenomenal sailing and close-up views of all the vessels under full sail.

The festivities began with the Thursday evening small boat regatta in which all crew members and guests are invited to participate in a row boat, sailing skiff, stand-up paddleboard or kayak. It’s a silly competition with serious bragging rights!

The Schooner American Eagle’s entourage won the rowing division, the Grace Bailey’s crew won the sailing division and the crew of the J & E Riggin won for best spirit.

Jim Dugan photography The fleet of rowboats and sailing tenders gather for the start of the small boat regatta

courtesy Schooner J & E Riggin Will the real Captain Justin please stand up?

Friday brought a variety of weather conditions. Winds were light as vessels sailed by the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse which served as the starting line. However, the wind picked up…and so did the fog. From the breakwater, one could watch the boats sail into and out of the fog bank, which made for some great photos.

By afternoon there was a strong breeze with some of the Windjammers reaching speeds of 10 knots.

In the end, the first boat across the finish line was the Schooner Heron, a daysailer out of Rockport, Maine. She sailed the course in 3.5 hours. It was the Schooner American Eagle though who sailed the course in the fastest time – 3.25 hours – earning the coveted Cutty Sark Cup, the “Eat My Wake” pennant and the finest bottle of Mossy Ledge Dark Rum.

To see the full results, visit the Great Schooner Race

webpage.

Who will win next year? Sail with us to be a part of the action!

The race always takes place 4th of July week.