When the Eastport Yacht Club (EYC) in Annapolis announced that it would be retiring the annual Solomons Race, we knew there was something in the mix. The Solomons Race has been the feeder for Northern Bay boats to get down to the Screwpile Regatta, but is also one of the best distance races on the Bay. EYC wouldn’t take away a good thing without a plan, would they?
Of course not. “EYC surveyed past and current competitors to gauge their perspectives, and the response we received was that the logistics associated with a race that finishes 40-plus miles away from home are becoming too difficult,” says Keith Jacobs, race director at EYC. But sailors still wanted to race. The solution?
Sailors, get excited for the first annual EYC Boomerang Race, starting the evening of Saturday, July 9. Using G9 as the port end of the start line, competitors will be sent down the Bay on one of three long distance courses, chosen based on the current weather situation. Racers will finish back at G9 sometime early Sunday morning, July 10, and head over to EYC for yet another world famous party, extending into Sunday afternoon for the awards ceremony. Already, seven one-design classes and CHESSS have signed up to participate.
While the race itself is meant to be challenging, EYC hopes that families will come out to celebrate at the party on Sunday. “We want racers to have a good time, and we want them to bring their families to a fun and safe environment,” says Tara Potter, event manager for EYC.
To help make things more fun, Annapolis Smokehouse and Tavern has recently been announced as a sponsor of the race, contributing a menu aimed at both hungry adults and picky kids. Weather Routing International is also sponsoring the event, providing weather forecasting services beginning on July 8.
It’s the dawn of a new era of racing on the Bay, and we couldn’t be more excited about the Boomerang Race. Sign up at eastportyc.org.
