The 2014 Westport Challenge Regatta will be held on August 9, 2014.

Once again, we will use the 5-mile triangular course taking boats to Barber’s Point, NY, near Scotch Bonnet Rocks by Basin Harbor, VT., then back to the start line in front of the Westport Marina for Classes A & B. The J 24 Class will do two back and forth, straight-line races, loosely parallel to the marina shores at the back of Northwest Bay. They will then do a third race, all the way back to Port Henry, homeport for the J 24s. Paul Reese hopes to have 6 boats participating. If there is a clear winner after the first two races, that boat’s captain and crew will be declared regatta winners. If necessary, the race back to home port will be used to break a tie. Please note that this year, the J 24 class will be the first to start at 10:45 am.

Please gather your crews and register for the race by Friday, August 1.

Spread the word and encourage other sailors to become involved. Entry forms can be found at The Galley Restaurant and Bar at Westport Marina and also on the marina’s website.

Remember we’ll have awards and cocktails at 4:00 pm for the sailors. Larry’s outdoor grilling starts at 6:00 pm. The Jonathan Newell Band, returning after its July 5 gig, plays rock ‘n roll at 9:00 pm!

Other Events on Shore in Westport

For family and friends left on shore, a lot is happening Saturday, August 9. The New York State Canal Authority is sponsoring Canal Splash that day, promoting events up and down the Champlain and Erie Canals, as well as Lake Champlain (the whole reason for building the Champlain Canal!).

The Westport Heritage House is featuring Westport Festival Day with vendors, music, and food in Ballard Park. The day concludes the Silent Auction for the Spirit of Place Art Exhibit at Heritage House at 3 pm. All art is created by artists living and working in our region, inspired by and interpreting the Champlain Valley and Lake Champlain. The diverse show includes both representational and abstract painting, pottery, prints, fabric art, collage, and more.

At The Galley from noon to 2, during lunch, Vermont’s Sky-Blue Boys, Willy (on guitar) and Banjo Dan Lindner, will perform acoustic folk music on the deck—all part of Canal Splash, Westport Festival Day, and Bridging Champlain: A NY-VT Celebration. The southern portion of Lake Champlain is promoting over 100 events and activities taking place along the Lake from August 1 to 17. Tell your friends. Invite them to take part in this festive day!

I look forward to seeing you and receiving your entry forms for the race. To get inspired visit http://www.westportmarina.com/challengeReg.html for photos and last summer’s results.

Happy Sailing!

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