While some organized yachting activities and races were cancelled this summer in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the trifecta of races for classic wooden yacht that culminates in the Eggemoggin Reach Regatta went ahead as usual, although with slightly reduced fleets. The racing started out with a 19.6 mile sail from Castine to Camden in the Castine Classic, followed by the Camden Feeder Race to Brooklin (both these first two races require racers to tow a tender), and capped by the Eggemoggin race.
After deciding in late spring to go ahead with the races without any onshore parties, Steve White of Brooklin Boat Yard—who is one of the organizers—said he had many moments of doubt. “But when it was done I was really glad we went ahead and held the races,” he said. While the turnout for the feeder races was fairly low, 66 boats competed in the ERR. That was about a third less than usual, he said, but far more than had been expected given pandemic restrictions. “We were blessed to have great weather all three days and everybody I talked to was really glad the event went off,” he said. “They were fine with not having a party ashore. They were just happy to get out on the water and see other boats and see their friends and yell and wave.”
