I graduated Georgetown University in 2006 after four incredible years on the sailing team. Getting adequate funding is a constant battle in college sailing, so as an alumnus, I want to help out the team in every way possible. To benefit the Georgetown University Sailing Team, the Silver Heel camp is joining forces with Friends of Georgetown Sailing and auctioning off a day of log canoe viewing from aboard our unparalleled spectator boat, the 57′ motor yacht BoJan (or, if you prefer to be even closer to the action, you can watch from the 27′ chase boat, the Yetsgo). If you win the auction, held online at www.georgetownsailing.org, you will be able to spend a day discovering one of the most beautiful racing fleets in the world.
As you can see from the posts below and by going to the log canoe websites listed on the sidebar, these boats are truly unique–how many other fleets offer the chance of seeing a 35′ twin-masted racing yacht capsize along with a crew of 12? If you’ve seen the canoes before, you will relish the opportunity to spend the day aboard the nicest spectator boat in the fleet. If you haven’t seen the canoes, you will never forget seeing the spread of canvas and boards on the backdrop of the Chesapeake Bay. Don’t miss your chance to see this historical fleet race!
The Details: You and your family/guests will choose one of four regattas to view (see below). Regattas are held on weekends, but you will want to make sure to catch the Saturday races, as there are two starts compared to the traditional one start on Sundays. The BoJan will leave the dock around 9 for the morning race (although we can be flexible on time), and after a morning of viewing, you will have the chance to debrief on the first race with the crew during the lunch break on the BoJan. Then it’s back out for the afternoon race, which normally starts at 2. Cocktails and refreshments will be available all day, so all you have to worry about it enjoying the boats, the racing, and the Bay. Adding to the fun is the fact that you can choose a regatta in one of three charming towns on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, meaning that you’ll have great surroundings both on and off the water!
You will be able to choose one of the following regattas to attend:
- Chester River Yacht & Country Club Regatta–Chestertown, MD–July 11-12 (hosted by my grandparents!)
- Rock Hall Yacht Club Regatta–Chestertown, MD–July 18-19
- Governor’s Cup Weekend–St. Michael’s, MD–July 25-26
- Tred Avon Yacht Club Annual Regatta–Oxford, MD–August 8-9 (viewing from Yetsgo only, but well worth it, as there are many classes of boats sharing the course with the log canoes at this regatta)
Nothing is set in stone for a day of viewing log canoes. Who knows, we may be a man short on crew, and you may end up spending a race 12′ out of the hull on a board keeping a 107 year old boat upright! No matter what happens, though, you’ll have a great time, create a great memory, and help a great team (might I mention the #1 college sailing team in the land?)!
If you have any questions about log canoes or the day of viewing, do not hesitate to contact me using the information in the auction link above.
