PORT TOWNSEND — The 27th annual Classic Mariners Regatta will take over the waterfront and downtown this weekend.
“These races are a lot of fun for all involved,” said Kathy Grace, who serves on the regatta’s organizing committee.
“It gives people a chance to hang around with others who share the enthusiasm for wooden boats.
“It’s always fun to get together with your sailing buddies,” she said.
A welcoming reception will begin at 6:30 p.m. today at the Northwest Maritime Center, 431 Water St., Port Townsend.
A half-hour earlier, Olympic medalist and world champion Jeff Madrigali will present, “A Path to Victory,” which shares the “trade secrets” of running successful races.
A catered dinner will take place at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at the maritime center, followed by dance music by a live band.
On Sunday, an awards ceremony center is set for 5 p.m., followed by a sea shanty song circle at 7:30 p.m.
Races are on Saturday and Sunday.
There are two races Saturday, including five different boat classes. The first race begins at noon, after a skippers meeting at 9:30 a.m., with the second race starting immediately after the end of the first.
The rowing and kayaking race begins at 9:30 a.m. Sunday, with the final race beginning at noon.
Wooden boats of all types are welcome in the races, which include divisions for T-Birds, Schooners, Gaffers, Spitsgatters, Tumlarins, Folkboats, 6-Meters, skiffs, cruisers, inshore small boats and row boats.
The only requirement is that the boats must be made of wood.
The difference between a wooden boat enthusiast and other boater types is attention to detail and a willingness to participate in the meticulous process of applying varnish, Grace said.
“With a wooden boat, there is a little more maintenance involved,” she said.
She said that most of the attendees at this weekend’s events will participate in the races, although spectators are encouraged to attend.
The races will take place within sight of the waterfront with exact locations to be determined with regard to weather conditions.
The action will be visible from any place with a water view, although people who wish to get a better look can catch a spectator boat that will get them a little closer to the action.
As of Thursday, 26 boaters had registered to participate but that number could double by race time.
“That’s the way things happen around here,” Grace said. “A lot happens at the last minute.”
Most of the participants are local, but people are scheduled from Canada and Seattle, she said.
Costs are modest, with boats charged $35 for the weekend, $20 for boats fewer than 20 feet and $10 for rowboats.
For more information, see http://woodenboat.org/regattas.
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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
