Regatta to start Saturday

By Frank Bolton
Special to the Pioneer Times
    Once again this summer, a group of sailors is banding together to hold a three-race regatta on East Grand Lake. Originally sponsored by the not-for-profit Chiputneticook Lakes International Conservancy, the regatta is now sponsored by the Peter’s Cove Yacht Club. The name of the group originated when some Houlton residents who wanted to sail had no place to moor their sailboats and stored them on the shore at Bob Ellis’ camp in Peter’s Cove. By the end of the season last year, 17 boats were registered to sail in the regatta, though not all boats competed in every race.
    The first of the races will take place on Saturday July 16. Subsequent races are also Saturdays: July 30 and Aug. 13. One of the three races will be a ‘throw-away’ race, for example, the skipper can eliminate the race with the worst time. Winners of the regatta in each class are determined using the Portsmouth Yardstick, a method of handicapping by class of boat.
HITTING THE WATER — Again this summer, a group of sailors is banding together to hold a three-race regatta on East Grand Lake. The first of the races will take place on Saturday, July 16. Subsequent races are also Saturdays: July 30 and Aug. 13.
    Membership in the PCYC is only $25 per year and open to anyone. Interested sailors should contact Paul LaPointe at 532-7926 or by e-mail lapointe_04730@yahoo.com prior to July 16 for complete PCYC racing information.
    In addition to participating in the races, many of the skippers and crew members gather the evening after each race for supper. In addition, the day of the first race coincides with the annual CLIC hot dog roast held on Half Moon Island, which is held from 11a.m. to 1 p.m.. One need not be a member to CLIC to come to the picnic.