PORT TOWNSEND — The Classic Mariners’ Regatta will offer races Saturday and Sunday with a welcome gathering for racers planned this evening.
This year, the criteria for the regatta have been expanded beyond wooden boats, said organizers. It is now open to yachts been built to a design or in the spirit of sailing yachts prior to 1967.
Also new this year will be the Regatta Bar upstairs at the maritime center, 431 Water St., set up for relaxation while watching the races. Hours will be from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday.
“Since 1984 the Classic Mariners’ Regatta has animated Port Townsend Bay with the Wooden Boat Foundation spirit that is quintessentially Port Townsend,” according to the race’s website at https://nwmaritime.org/classic-mariners-regatta/.
All weekend events will take place in the regatta headquarters upstairs at the maritime center.
The regatta is sponsored by the Wooden Boat Foundation and Port Townsend Sailing Association.
A welcome gathering is planned at 5 p.m. today to allow participants to eat, drink and meet other racers.
Here is the schedule for the rest of the weekend.
Saturday
• 9:30 a.m. — Mandatory skippers’ meeting with coffee and light snacks.
• Noon — First Classic Mariners’ Regatta race starts. The second race will begin immediately after the first. The Regatta Bar will open.
• 5 p.m. — Classic Mariners’ Regatta Dinner. The deadline for purchasing tickets was Monday.
Sunday
• 10 a.m. — Rowing race.
• Noon — Final 2017 Classic Mariner’s Regatta race start; Regatta Bar opens.
• 4 p.m. — Classic Mariners’ Regatta awards party.
For more information, see the website.
