Mystic Seaport Race Preview

By

Jim Schmicker, Race Director

After many years of exhibition races at the Wooden Boat Show, Cocktail Class racing in full will debut at the Mystic Seaport Museum in Mystic, Connecticut on August 2^nd.  (Inclement weather date is August 3^rd).  We are still working on some of the details for pre- and post-race activities and the Seaport staff has been incredibly supportive.  They’re looking forward to creating a tradition of racing at the preeminent maritime museum in North America as partners of CCWBRA, as well has having a great time on the river in August!

Located less than a mile from Interstate 95, the Seaport is a great venue with a beach, floating docks, restaurants and snack bars and restrooms close to the action. The course will be on the well-protected Mystic River with the start/finish line just north of the Lighthouse Point. The course, will be similar to the one used at the Nationals, so come race as a Nationals tune-up!  The regatta entry fee includes admission to the Seaport for the entrant and one guest. Vehicle access is limited to before and after normal Seaport hours which are 10 to 5. Trailer parking will be available adjacent to Australia Beach and floating dock space at the sailing center can also be used for boat storage. There will be access to the Seaport for trailer drop-off on Friday evening between 5 and 6.

Depending on interest a showing of the original 1939 plans for the Cocktail Class Skua may be organized for Friday afternoon as well as group dinners on Friday and Saturday. The summer is a very busy tourist time in the Mystic-Noank-Groton area so consider booking lodgings early.  Several lodging options on the IH-95 corridor as well as numerous Airbnb listings.  Stay tuned for more details in the July issue of The Happy Hour.