What is the Monhegan Island Race?
Since 1928, the Monhegan has been a legend in the Maine sailing community. 100’s of boats competed in the 1980’s with some big names coming up from Newport and points south. The race was a testament to navigators getting the boats around the course smartly and crews working through the night to make their boat sail effectively. The race has evolved and there are a lot more options for similar distance events, but Monhegan continues to attract sailors from around the region due to the complexity and beauty of the course.
The event starts with the opening party at Portland Yacht Club’s elegant facility on the Falmouth Foreside. Crews enjoy food and drink while listening to tunes as the sun sets, lighting the islands on fire before dusk envelops the anchorage.
Friday brings the first start for the 140 mile Monhegan course. Boats head out to the line in the early afternoon and are soon tacking south past Two Lights, Cape Elizabeth, Wood Island Light and on toward Boon Island Light. The boats round Boon and head east to Monhegan. On the way they will be visited by whales, porpoises, sunfish and more. Many crews will spot shooting starts from the Perseid Meteor showers and see the sun rise over Monhegan. The last leg brings the fleet back to Casco Bay, passing Seguin Light and then Halfway Rock as they finish off Portland Head Light.
This year Wyman’s has joined us as the Monhegan Fleet sponsor. A Maine company with roots downeast, we are thrilled to have them onboard as a partner for another edition of the race. You will get a chance to taste their incredible products during our event and we know you will experience the character of Maine throughout Monhegan.
Midday Saturday will see the Seguin Sprint fleet take off. A shorter 50 mile course takes this fleet from one end of Casco Bay and back again. After leaving the Hussey the fleet heads out to the Pilot Buoy then east to Seguin Island before coming back to finish by Portland Head Light. Most of the fleet will finish before Midnight and get a taste of sailing at night.
All the finishers are greeted at PYC with a warm welcome including pizza, beverages, and a chance to wind down after the events of the race. Sunday morning the fleet reconvenes for the awards brunch. A chance to socialize, hear what strategies paid off and congratulate the folks who took home the hardware this year.
Monhegan is a challenge for sailors to extend their skills beyond the short course racing, an introduction to offshore sailing, and an amazing sail along the coast of Maine.
