August 29, 2006

BOOTHBAY HARBOR, MAINE - Preparations are underway for the Fifth Annual Shipyard Cup in Boothbay Harbor.

Hosted by Hodgdon Yachts Inc. of East Boothbay, Maine, and Wotton's Wharf of Boothbay Harbor, Maine, the Shipyard Cup is an invitational regatta open to yachts over 70 feet (21 meters). A gathering of elegant yachts, the fleet includes flush-deck speedsters, large ocean cruisers, and timeless classics, all brought together in the "Corinthian spirit" of true amateur competition.

Unique to the Boothbay Harbor regatta is the large spectator fleet on the water, a primary factor that separates the Shipyard Cup from similar regattas in St. Barth's, W.I., Palma, Spain, and Newport, RI. Many summer residents and hundreds of tourists spend the weekend in town and on the water to watch the races and support the more than 200 yacht crew and technicians.

With each successive year, the size and spirit of the spectator fleet has impressed owners, crews and yachting enthusiasts. Whether folks are out in their own boats or riding on the local excursion vessels, appreciative yachtsmen are greeted by a steady stream of horns, friendly waves and enthusiastic cheers. Boothbay Harbor's famed hospitality and community support has transformed the Shipyard Cup into an event many consider the best large yacht regatta on the circuit.

This year's fleet has the potential to be one of the best yet. For regatta participants, there are two days of racing, a lobster bake, and numerous post-race festivities. The Shipyard Cup is held the weekend after Labor Day for two reasons: one is the weather, which has been ideal the previous four years of the regatta; the second is that holding the event on a "shoulder weekend" brings many additional tourists to town in support of the local economy.

For more information, including a schedule of events, go to www.shipyardcup.com, or contact Andrea Holland at Boothbay Region Boatyard, 207-633-2970, or Ted Smith at Hodgdon Yachts, 207-633-4194.