42nd Annual Great Schooner Race

Thu, 07/05/2018 - 10:43

Sarah Thompson

The Heritage, on right, edges ahead of the Stephen Taber during Friday’s race. (Photo by Sarah Thompson)

(Photo by Sarah Thompson)

Participating captains gather at the Captain’s Meeting aboard Victory Chimes prior to the 43rd Annual Great Schooner Race. (Photo courtesy of Maine Windjammer Association)

Captain of the Stephen Taber, Noah Barnes, presents Captain of the Schooner Heritage with the Cutty Sark Award trophy and accompanying “Eat My Wake” flag during the Great Schooner Race Awards. (Photo courtesy of Maine Windjammer Association)

(Photo by Sarah Thompson)

The Heritage, on right, edges ahead of the Stephen Taber during Friday’s race. (Photo by Sarah Thompson)

(Photo by Sarah Thompson)

Participating captains gather at the Captain’s Meeting aboard Victory Chimes prior to the 43rd Annual Great Schooner Race. (Photo courtesy of Maine Windjammer Association)

(Photo by Sarah Thompson)

ROCKLAND – The first wave of schooners heaved into the wind at 1:15 p.m., Friday, July 6, having sat idle for three extra hours. The forecast for the Great Schooner Race looked ominous. Gray skies and the threat of thunderstorms kept anchors in place.

Such is life on the high seas. No matter the century, weather remain the deciding element.

But the clouds eventually cleared, allowing continuation the annual race that represents a once-daily competition by cargo-loaded schooners.

This year's field of 11 vessels, some of which are National Historic Landmarks, sailed the waters from Gilkey Harbor in Islesboro to the south side of Rockland Harbor.

The Schooner Heritage won the race, taking home the Cutty Sark Award trophy. In keeping with tradition, captains Doug and Linda Lee were presented with the trophy and the coveted "Eat My Wake" flag, by the 2017 winner of the award Noah Barnes, Captain of the Schooner Stephen Taber, according to a news release.

Coaster Class

First Place: Schooner Stephen Taber, Captain: Noah Barnes, Homeport: Rockland

Second Place: Schooner Grace Bailey, Captain: Christopher Trandell, Owner: Ray Williamson, Homeport: Camden

Third Place: Schooner Lewis R. French, Captain Garth Wells, Homeport: Camden

Leeward Class

First Place: Schooner Heritage, Captains: Doug & Linda Lee, Homeport: Rockland

Second Place: Schooner J&E Riggin, Captain: Jon Finger & Annie Mahle, Homeport: Rockland

Third Place: Windjammer Angelique, Captain: Dennis Gallant, Homeport: Camden

Windward Class

First Place: Schooner American Eagle, Captain: John Foss, Homeport: Rockland

Second Place: Schooner Mary Day, Captain: Barry King, Homeport: Camden

Third Place: Schooner Ladona, Captain: J.R. Braugh, Homeport: Rockland

The Spirit of '53 Award, recognizing guest involvement and seamanship during the Great Schooner Race, went to the three-masted Victory Chimes, captained by Kip Files, homeport: Rockland.

The Boyd Guild Award, named after the colorful Captain Boyd Guild and recognizing navigational excellence went to the Schooner Tree of Life, captained by Paul Morse, homeport: Newport, Rhode Island.

Every summer since 1977, the Maine Windjammer Association has hosted the Great Schooner Race, providing an opportunity for captains, crews and passengers aboard traditional vessels from all over the Eastern Seaboard to rendezvous for a fun day of racing.

The annual Parade of Sails allows for a second viewing of many windjammers from the Rockland Breakwater between 2 and 4 p.m., Friday, July 13.

Tour the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse and enjoy lively commentary by windjammer historian, Jim Sharp of the Sail Power and Steam Museum, according to a news release.

For more information on the Maine Windjammer Association and windjammer cruises in Penobscot Bay, visit www.SailMaineCoast.com.

Reach Sarah Thompson at news@penbaypilot.com