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Saturday, August 14th, 9AM
Rain date Sunday.
The cannon will be fired at 9:00 AM to begin construction of the “vessels.” Entrants are allowed two hours to construct a sailing craft on the beach, and these “vessels” must be constructed of non-marine items. The craft may be pre-constructed, but must be disassembled and built again on the beach. Races begin at 11:00 AM with the firing of the cannon to begin the Class 1 race.

Vessels compete for first, second, and third place in each class. Classes are determined by the number of participants on each vessel: one, two, three, four, and five or more (Unlimited Class). Coveted awards of the day include The Karl Smith Most Ingenious Design, The Worst Example of Naval Architecture, and the Frank Newman Judges’ Award.

Although the highlight of the regatta is often the Unlimited Class, whose vessels range from fifteen to over forty feet in length and are crewed by as many as a dozen or more hardy fools, the Class 1 participants, who in the past have included one child in a sandbox propelled by an umbrella, are equally as engaging.

The event has always attracted regional attention, and participants and spectators come from far and wide. Past regattas have been highlighted in Yankee Magazine and the National Geographic’s World magazine. This year’s event will again be featured in Rhode Island Monthly magazine.

The event is open to anyone who likes to have fun and be foolish, and there is no entry fee.

For more information call 401-423-1492, or visit the Jamestown Yacht Club’s website.