Additional Media Resources

Download the BBR Promotional Event Flyer (PDF).

Buzzards Bay Regatta

Online Registration for the 36th Annual Buzzards Bay Regatta is now open at http://www.buzzardsbayregatta.com/ussreg.php. The 2008 BBR will be held at the Beverly Yacht Club in Marion, MA, on August 1,2 & 3, 2008 (the Laser classes will sail out of the historic Fort Taber in New Bedford). The BBR is the largest mixed boat regatta in the Northeast, regularly attracting over 450 boats, 1200+ sailors, and many of the top competitors in the country. PHRF boats, multihulls and one designs in 18 classes will race 3, sometimes 4, times each day over the three day regatta. We are very pleased to announce that this year's regatta has been chosen to host the J109 East Coat Championship, as well as Sail Magazine’s Expressly For Fun Class, a program designed specifically for cruising/non-racing sailors who are interested in trying their hand at racing (http://www.buzzardsbayregatta/fun).

The 18 classes that are invited to race in the 2008 BBR are: Club 420, Vanguard 15, Laser Standard, Laser Masters, Laser Radial, 29er, International 505, Bullseye, Shield, J/22, J/24, J/80, J/105, J/109, PHRF Race, PHRF Cruise, IRC and Multihulls. In addition, this year the BBR is introducing a classic fleet back into the mix. This year’s event promises to be a great regatta.

Expressly for Fun:

Have you or sailors you know looked from your cockpit as the race boats head out the harbor for a day of tackling the buoys and wished in some ways you were headed in the same direction? Have you wanted to try the Wednesday night beer can races but have not been able to pull the crew together? Have you avoided a starting line because of the apparent chaos created by lots of boats trying to get to the same spot at the same time? Have you just never had the time to read through the tomes of racing tactics and strategy? Or are you at the point where the cruising is great, but you’d like to add an element to your sailing program and spice things up a bit?

Well, the Buzzards Bay Regatta is responding to your call by introducing Expressly for Fun, a program that removes those obstacles and creates an environment where you can get out on the race course, get your feet wet and feel at ease. Expressly for Fun is intended for sailors new to racing, with the hope of encouraging them to experience the joy of sailboat racing as another activity out on the water.

While an integral part of the BBR, the Expressly for Fun fleet will follow a slightly different program. On Friday August 1, sailors and their crew will join former All-American sailor and renowned college coach, Ken Legler for a seminar on Sailboat Racing 101. Ken will cover all the key topics - boat speed, tactics/strategy, the rules, and more – and share with you the secrets and tricks he has learned over the decades which have won him and his teams many championships. Following this orientation, sailors will take to the water on Saturday and Sunday for an opportunity to test their new knowledge on simplified race courses and starting lines, and get support and feedback from Ken and other experienced racers. There will be plenty of fun prizes and awards, and everyone will be encouraged and welcomed into all the festivities that come with one of the best regattas on the east coast! If all goes as we expect, by the time Sunday afternoon roles around, you’ll be an even better sailor and looking forward to returning in 2009.

Special Notice From : Jack Gierhart BBR Chairperson 2008 and Corinne Woodworth, Press Secretary

As you may know, 2008 is the year which marks the 36th anniversary of Buzzards Bay Regatta scheduled for August 1, 2 and 3.

I'd like to propose a story about BBR for you to bring to the table at the next editorial board meeting.

It's a story that has a number of interesting angles.

First, let's dispel a false notion about sailboat racing. Many people associate sailboat racing with an elite group of ridiculously rich men who wear silly white hats and pretentious blue blazers, standing at the helm of multi-million dollar yachts and shouting orders at their uniformed crews. While that may be the case in some circles, nothing could be farther from the truth at most boat clubs across America.

In 1872 several sailors who were committed to competing in smaller sailboats (under 30') founded BBR's host club, the Beverly Yacht Club in Marion, Massachusetts. They recognized that sailboat racing on the grand scale of the America's Cup was inaccessible to most people, so their determination to focus on smaller boats helped to bring the sport to a wider group of participants.

In keeping with this tradition, Bob Saltmarsh of New Bedford Yacht Club and Bill Saltonstall of Beverly Yacht Club joined forces a hundred years later and invited the yacht clubs in their area to sponsor one large regatta with the goal of attracting full fleets for each class they offered. Buzzards Bay Regatta has been a resounding success every year since its inception in 1972.

BBR regularly attracts upwards of 1200 sailors in over 450 boats. Racers come from both genders, many backgrounds and all generations to participate in a sport where the winning equation of knowledge, skill, strength and luck changes with the weather and the location. And sailboat racing seems to be a growing sport for youngsters - according to US Sailing, over 50,000 children are enrolled in sailing programs across the country each year.

One of our co-hosts is Community Boating Center of New Bedford. Their mission is to enrich the lives of area residents through boating, and they focus this mission on inner city children, many of whom have little or no experience on the water despite living in walking distance of the ocean. CBC has developed a program that teaches not only the technical skills of sailing, but also the more important life skills of cooperation and respect, widening the perspective of a population that is often overlooked and underserved. BBR is proud to support their efforts.

In what other sport will you find the opportunity for amateurs to compete against professionals? With a history of spectacular conditions and seamless organization, BBR attracts sailors who are weekend warriors, varsity stars and expert navigators. On any given boat, the helmsman could be the owner, her husband, their twelve-year old son, or his grandmother.

Amateurs have to start somewhere. The new Expressly for Fun fleet is co-sponsored by BBR and Sail Magazine and it offers first-time racers a workshop that introduces them to rules and tactics, and practice on a simplified course designed to ease novices into a sport that can be intimidating, even for seasoned competitors.

Finally, every sailor has a story. At BBR you'll find over 1200 who can tell you with equal enthusiasm about their first romantic sunset cruise or their most recent catastrophe at sea.

So please consider BBR as an opportunity for you to introduce the growing sport of sailboat racing to your audience. To help you envision the BBR experience, go to http://www.buzzardsbayregatta.com/video.php to see a short video that showcases the highlights of the event. We can provide you with access that will get you as close to the action as you want to be.

For more information, please contact me by e-mail at Corinaside@aol.com or by phone at 781-934-7921.

Looking forward to seeing you on the water!

Corinne Woodworth
Press Secretary

New Classes and activities for the 2008 Buzzards Bay Regatta

Over the past several weeks, sailing weather has been great on Buzzards Bay. The beginning of summer also means that the Buzzards Bay Regatta is just around the corner and several classes have already filled up. This year the BBR will be held in Marion, MA on August 1-3. So, if you are planning to come and race at this year's BBR, you need to register as soon as possible at http://www.buzzardsbayregatta.com.

The BBR has a full complement of racing opportunities for one design, big boat and new-to-racing sailors, starting with classes for Lasers all the way up through the JBoats Classes to PHRF. Attracting competitors from as far flung as Maine, Maryland and Chicago, and an international crowd representing clubs from Bermuda, St. Thomas and Montreal, the BBR has been a destination of choice for sailors for the past 36 years. This year BBR is also offering competition for 505's and 29ers, the fast and furious racing machines that attract top end sailors edging towards Olympic competition. On the other end of the spectrum, we are offering the Expressly for Fun program for cruising sailors who are interested in trying out the race course - http://www.buzzardsbayregatta.com/fun.

With the spectacular conditions in Buzzards Bay and the expert race management, sailors can expect three days packed with exhilarating competition followed by three nights of festivities under the tent,including great food, cool music, prizes and other fun activities 2008 will also be the first year that the BBR will roll out daily video from the race course. Whether you're back at the yacht club or enjoying one of the parties, you be able to see fresh footage each day's racing and activities fresh from the water.

Another popular feature each year is all of the gear and apparel that is available. 2008 will also have a big expansion in this area with lots of new things available in great new colors and a great new logo. Since the popular sizes almost always run out before the end of the weekend, we have made it possible for you to order anything you want in advance online at http://www.buzzardsbayregatta.com. Avoid the rush and order now so you can spend more time on the water or at the parties when you are here.

Beverly Yacht Club, along with their co-hosts New Bedford Yacht Club, Mattapoisett Yacht Club, Low Tide Yacht Club and the Community Boating Center invite you to join them for the best that sailboat racing has to offer. Don't miss your opportunity to feel be a part of a great New England tradition. Registration is open at our website http://www.buzzardsbayregatta.com.

BBR would like to thank our Circle Sponsors - US Trust, Laser Performance,The Wave Restaurant, The Bay Club and Sail Magazine, - along with all of our other generous sponsors - Mount Gay Rum, West Marine, SailFast, Edson,Navionics, Composite Solutions, Kingman Marine, Harding Sails, RopeWarehouse, Regatta Ginger Beer, and Mustang Survival.

Chairman: Jack Gierhart

Buzzards Bay Regatta 2008 offering special programs for sailors.

The Buzzards Bay Regatta organizers understand that a key component to successful sailboat racing is careful preparation. To that end we are offering a couple of special programs to sailors designed to maximize performance on the water at this year's event to be held August 1, 2 and 3.

First, Jennifer Langille of www.SailTrim.org will be on hand at Fort Taber Saturday and Sunday from 0730-0800 to lead stretch and strength training exercises and share nutritional tips that ensure peak performance for Laser sailors over a multi-day event. Jennifer's program is presented courtesy of SailFast Apparel (www.isailfast.com). BBR is a major stop on the Laser circuit with competitive racing for Standard and Radial rigs, as well as masters level sailors. Community Boating Center of New Bedford is organizing a barbecue for the Laser fleet at Fort Taber on Friday evening.

Next, up the bay at Beverly Yacht Club, Ken Legler will be preparing a new group of sailors to race in the Expressly For Fun fleet sponsored by Sail Magazine. He will provide the foundations of rules and tactics to novices at a workshop on Friday and coach racing on simplified courses on Saturday and Sunday.

There is also lots of activity across the other fleets. Two have designated BBR as the venue for their championships. The East Coast Championship of J/109 and the New England Championship of J/105 will be held at BBR this year. With a newly established J/80 fleet on Buzzards Bay, we are expecting a strong turnout in this fleet as well. We also expect a large contingent of multihulls whose skippers will be warming up for the Corsair Nationals scheduled for the following weekend.

The youngest competitors at BBR understand the need for preparation and early registration, especially in the 420 fleet which is oversubscribed as usual. BBR is a key stop on the V15 circuit, and some of the top youth sailors in North America will be competing in the 29er fleet, the little sister to the Olympic Class skiff, the 49er. Lunch is provided daily for all dinghy sailors by BBR sponsor, the Wave Restaurant (www.thewaverestaurant.com).

Every sailor appreciates the careful preparation that wooden boat owners put into maintaining these classic beauties. BBR is hosting a special Classic Boat fleet for devotees of traditional watercraft, and we expect a number of Concordias to attend on their way to the 70th Anniversary Celebration of Concordia Yawls.

Over the past 35 years, racers in these fleets, the Bullseye, Shields, J/22, and J/24 one design fleets, and PHRF Racing and Cruising classes, have come from far and wide to enjoy the expert race management and superb conditions found at BBR. After a full day of racing, sailors can enjoy the hospitality of Beverly Yacht Club where they can relax with daily photographs and video footage of the racing, food and beverages, entertainment, and convivial company.

If you haven't already done so, make your preparations to join us for the 36th annual Buzzards Bay Regatta on August 1, 2 and 3 at Beverly Yacht Club in Marion, Massachusetts.

BBR would like to thank our Circle Sponsors - US Trust, Laser Performance, The Wave Restaurant, The Bay Club and Sail Magazine, - along with all of our other generous sponsors - Mount Gay Rum, West Marine, SailFast, Edson, Navionics, Composite Solutions, Kingman Marine, Harding Sails, Rope Warehouse, Regatta Ginger Beer, and Mustang Survival.

BBR Circle Sponsors

LaserPerformance joins us for another year as a Circle Sponsor for the 2008 Buzzards Bay Regatta. With hundreds of sailors at this year's Buzzards Bay Regatta, the racing is sure to be first-rate. LaserPerformance, formerly Vanguard Sailboats, will be onsite providing support, running the Vanguard 15 circle and providing a great assortment of prizes. The Sailing World 2008 Boat of the Year Laser SB3 will be available onsite for demo sails. LaserPerformance is the steward of some of sailing's most recognized brands including Laser, Sunfish, 420, and the Vanguard 15. See them at www.laserperformance.com.

The Bay Club at Mattapoisett is like the Cape without the crowds, offering world class golf, fine dining, racquet sports, a fitness center, aquatics and sailing on Buzzards Bay, and to support that they are sponsoring the Shields, Bullseye, J/24 and J/22 fleets. The Bay Club offers homesites from the $300s and hand-crafted homes from the $700s to $3 million. Maintenance-free condominium-styles homes built by Abbot Homes include a social membership, and membership is available with or without the purchase of real estate. To take a virtual tour go to www.bayclubmatt.com or call 508-758-9543.

U.S. Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth Management is a leading private wealth management organization in the United States providing unsurpassed resources and customized solutions to help meet clients' wealth structuring, investment management, banking and credit needs. Clients can also benefit from access to resources available through Bank of America and its affiliates - including capital markets products, large and complex financing solutions, and its extensive retail banking platform. The J/80, J/105, J/109, IRC and PHRF Racing fleets are competing courtesy of U.S. Trust. Visit their website at www.ustrust.com.

The Wave Restaurant and Bar is proud to be a Circle Sponsor for 505s, 29ers and Vanguard 15s at the 2008 Buzzard's Bay Regatta. The newly remodeled Wave in Marion has a variety of entertainment along with après-sailing specials all weekend. Stop by for a bite to eat on the new outdoor patio or to catch some of the incredible entertainment all weekend. See the details at www.thewaverestaurant.com. The Wave will also make lunches for you and your crew that you can pick up each morning.

Sail Magazine continues its dedication to the sport of sailboat racing by providing an opportunity for families and novice racers to participate in the Expressly For Fun fleet, which combines a day of education about the sport with two days of racing on a simplified course. Sailors have come to rely on Sail Magazine for expert advice, trends in gear and equipment, news from the racing world, tips on boat maintenance, and chartering opportunities. The Multihulls, PHRF Cruising and Classic Wooden Yachts will join the EFF fleet in this circle. You can subscribe, shoe the Sail Store, browse their classifieds or blog at their website www.sailmag.com.

West Marine promises to make boating more fun, and the Club 420 fleet is a perfect match for their philosophy. West Marine has a complete inventory of everything a sailor could need available online, through their catalog or in their stores. In addition to products, West Marine offers tips based on extensive experience through their West Advisor, articles on every aspect of Marine life, and regular sweepstakes. Check out their website at www.westmarine.com.

Admiral Sponsors

For over three decades Mount Gay Rum has been sponsoring the best sailors at the most select regattas in the world. Their coveted Red Caps are souvenirs of some of the finest memories of racing for sailors who look forward to this après-racing treat. Visit their website at www.mountgay.com.

A leader in casual apparel that enhances the experience of having fun on the water, SailFast produces high quality products that are creatively designed to convey the coastal experience. Keep up with Jennifer's blog of BBR08 events at www.isailfast.com.

Nestled in Cataumet harbor, Kingman Yacht Center is Cape Code's largest full service marina, boatyard and cruising center with 235 slips and 130 moorings for vessels up to 120' available for a night or for a season. See their facilities at www.kingmanyachtcenter.com.

VSport is the exclusive JGear licensee, producing JGear and supporting J boat owners and regattas for over 15 years. VSport offers a full line of customized apparel and accessories that meet the casual needs and demands of outdoor watersports. Visit www.vsport.biz for more.

Commodore Sponsors

Navionics is a leader in electronic charting and digital navigation data. They offer everything you need to get around the race course or go around the world at www.navionics.com.

Edson manufactures pumps and steering systems, and offers marine accessories and gifts for the home through its catalog which you can see online at www.edsonmarine.com.

Composite Solutions, Inc. is a leader in custom fabrication of quality composites, building state of the art rudders, quadrants, spars, steering wheels and custom products. They are online at www.csi-composites.com.

Harding Sails uses the most modern computer design and cutting equipment in the industry, to create in high quality performance cruising and club racing sails. Visit their website at www.hardingsails.com.

Rope Warehouse maintains a focus on customer service, quality products and value pricing, and they can find you the right product for your needs. Browse their inventory at www.rwrope.com.

Mustang Survival designs, develops, manufactures, and markets safety and survival equipment for recreational, professional and military mariners. A full catalog is available at www.mustangsurvival.com.

Regatta Ginger Beer produces a soft drink that sailors find refreshing by itself or mixed with their favorite alcoholic beverage. Recipes for a variety of drinks can be found at www.regattagingerbeer.com.

French Rabbit Wines are created from grapes grown in sustainably farmed vineyards in Southern France and distributed in eco-friendly packaging. Varieties are on their website at www.frenchrabbit.com.