SailMaine and the Gulf of Maine Ocean Racing Association (GMORA) have teamed up again to host the SailMaine Shakedown Regatta on Saturday, June 5, at Portland Yacht Services. Harraseeket Yacht Club members are cordially invited to take part in the event, which matches any sailors who’ve spent some time in SailMaine programs with some of the best larger boat sailing teams involved in the Gulf of Maine Ocean Racing Association (GMORA) series. The event is also a fundraiser for all of SailMaine’s community sailing programs.

 SailMaine coaches will evaluate the skills and experience of their students, and each participating boat will have two or three SailMaine students join her regular crew. It’s a great opportunity for SailMaine sailors to get a chance to experience the thrill of PHRF racing, and for PHRF racers can make connections with new sailors and potentially add them as crew.

 The June 5 date makes the regatta a perfect tune-up for the GMORA racing season, which begins officially June 12 with the Centerboard Regatta and continues on through the summer months. It is an opportunity for all boats to “shake off the cobwebs” in a non-scored regatta, meet new people, learn more about SailMaine, and enjoy some fun time on Casco Bay. We’re hoping that both boats and crew who haven’t jumped in to racing in the GMORA series will be tempted to give it a try.

 Sailing will be near Portland Harbor, and includes both racing and cruising divisions. The post-regatta party under the tents at Portland Yacht Services – complete with pig roast and live entertainment — will be open to both racers and the public.

 Regatta entry fees are $50 per boat; dinner tickets are $20 per person. Those who attended last year still haven’t stopped talking about how much fun it was! And keep in mind that you’d be supporting a great organization.

 Skippers are strongly encouraged to sign up by Friday, May 14, to give SailMaine staff ample time make the best matches between students and boats. More information about the event is at SailMaine .

Gail N. Rice

s/v Rita P