The 2007 Small Reach Regatta

The 2007 Small Reach Regatta in Brooklin Maine promises to be the first of many. It was a gathering of more than one hundred traditional small craft enthusiasts for a three day event styled after the "raids" so popular in Europe. Within the fleet of the forty participating boats were some of the finest examples of contemporary boat building and traditional design.
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These wooden boats ranged in overall length on deck from 15'-20' which designates this event as "Small Reach Regatta". Nearly all claim their heritage from 19th century work boats designed for sail with auxiliary oars. Their classic lines and weatherly character evolved through years of dailyuse by men who depended on them for survival.

Thursday afternoon marked the arrival of the car-toppers and trailers at the WoodenBoat School Campus. The line-up looked fantastic as we checked out the rigging and safety equipment. The large fields began to fill up with tents and soon the lobster pots were boiling. The sound of proud bagpipes lifted our hearts as the night fell and added to the excitement in the air.

When the planning committee opted to launch for the first day-sail in the face of rain and a severe thunderstorm watch, I realized this crew was hardcore. This was not the place for a fair weather sailor nor the faint of heart! As the word went out, captains and crew arrived with boots and offshore rain gear to review the planned course along the Eggemoggin Reach.

Luckily the weather held on Friday and, after a lunch on Babson Island, the wind came up and gave us a spirited afternoon sail. Saturday was the prize with bright sun but light winds until the afternoon. And Sunday was once again fair with a ghost of a breeze except right at lunchtime when it freshened.

What stood out as truly remarkable about this event was the camaraderie and teamwork in launching and landing the boats! The tides in Maine range over ten feet and change swiftly, but there were always many helping hands present whether to hand carry, trailer launch or ferry out to a mooring. This group effort made this long weekend on the water shine and was made possible by WoodenBoat Magazine and the Down East Chapter of the Traditional Small Craft Association.