The annual Safe Harbor Race Weekend is in its 3rd year. The organizers invite sailors with monohull and multihull vessels to join a summer sailing regatta in a variety of classes, including the Superyacht classes. The race weekend also features shoreside events, festivities, and an atmosphere of racing excitement at Safe Harbor locations in Newport and surrounding towns in Rhode Island.
The inaugural event for Safe Harbor Race Weekend took place in August 2021. The goal was to deliver an experience from both the race and shoreside events, using the town of Newport -its hotels, shops, and diverse culture- to lure the interests of sailors and spectators alike. There are seven classes of racing under ORC, PHRF, performance cruising (with and without spinnaker), and superyacht ratings participating in the regatta. The talent on the water runs deep, with children and parents facing off and old rivals reuniting. Ultimately, Safe Harbor Race Weekend’s aim is to give sailors and non-sailors a chance to experience racing in the so-called “Sailing Capital of the World,” Newport, RI.
Safe Harbor Marinas wanted to create a tradition and give its members the unique experience of a prestigious sailing competition. The committee’s vision was to create a small regatta, but their vision expanded and planning grew. Rebecca Leblanc, Vice President of Partnerships and Sponsorships at Safe Harbor Marinas wanted the event to be “the best of the best.” So they collaborated with experts in the racing community to create the “Safe Harbor Race Weekend.”
Several race officers were consulted and recruited, including Peter Craig, President of Premiere Racing in Marblehead, Massachusetts. He believed that the scale of such a race would appeal to participants nationally with an international flair. Peter’s work and experience with other popular yacht races, including the Newport Bucket, Candy Store Cup, and St. Barth’s Bucket, unlocked tremendous possibilities for making Safe Harbor Race Weekend an event to remember. Enjoy these images from last year’s event!
