ROCKLAND — The Rockland Yacht Club (RYC) will partner with Rockland’s Sail, Power & Steam Museum (SPSM) to present the Annual Scholarship Regatta, dedicated to raising funds for educational opportunities for youth sailing programs in Midcoast Maine.

“Regatta partners believe that money should not be a barrier to learning to sail and race, a skill which improves physical and mental health, develops leadership and teamwork abilities, and instills an appreciation for the environment around us,” said a news release.

This event will help to raise funds for the next generation of sailors to get out on the water and learn the joys of seamanship via programs like Midcoast Sailing Center’s “Sail Kids for Free” (SKFF) classes for youth aged 8-14 and the area high school sailing teams at the Apprentice Shop.

Scheduled for August 17, 2024, boats of any size are welcome to participate. There will be three divisions (class splits will be determined on race day) including spinnaker and non-spinnaker classes. One-design classes are encouraged but must have at least three boats entered to be scored as their own class.

The starting line will be located outside of and to the southeast of the Rockland Ferry channel in Penobscot Bay and indicated by the RYC Race Committee boat. Courses will be described in the Sailing Instructions and at the Skippers’ Meeting at 10 a.m., at the Rockland Yacht Club. The first warning signal will be at approximately 11:30 a.m. The final course will be determined by the Race Committee on the day of the race and announced at the Skippers’ Meeting. Skippers are encouraged to have at least one youth or teen crew member aboard.

The event will be followed by an Awards Ceremony and fundraising BBQ by the Rockland Yacht club and sailors, and drinks will be provided by Poland Spring and Rockland’s own Liberator Brewing and Allagash Brewing. Crafted glass framed awards will be awarded to competitors, and crew and guests can enjoy the sun setting over the harbor. Additional prizes will be awarded to the boat raising the most funds for sailing scholarships and those with the greatest number of youth crew.

Participating boats are encouraged to raise additional funds to add to scholarships for youth sailing programs. Boats and interested sailors unable to participate in the regatta can still raise money via the online fundraising page which has been created to allow anyone to participate in donating. Online donations can be made at https://www.gofundme.com/f/ryc-scholarship-regatta?qid=f0c9b0c7cb74fe05434f39b95c8bdf8d.

Race registration is required at regattaman.com for all boats. The registration fee will be $100 prior to August 9, 2024, and $125 thereafter. Race registration includes tickets to the awards ceremony and barbecue and a race T-shirt for the captain. Additional dinner tickets ($10 per person) and awards ceremony tickets or t-shirts may be purchased at the event. All are invited to attend, even those not participating in the race.

To date, sponsors include Bangor Savings Bank, Epifanes, Landings Marina, Knight Marine, Front Street Shipyard, Liberator Brewing, Ocean Pursuits, Allagash Brewing, Gemini Marine Canvas & Marine Products, Bohndell Sails, Hamilton Marine, Poland Springs, FIORE Artisan Olive Oils & Vinegars, and more to come.

For more information on the race, visit www.sailpowersteammuseum.org or regattaman.com.