Ten skippers participated in the 20th Annual Big Boat Single Handed Regatta. The wind was northerly 6-12 MPH and was really shifty. PRO Greg Kampf and crew ran 4 windward leeward 4-leg races, and places changed again and again, with 3 different skippers winning the races. Afterwards there were sandwichebeverages and lots of time to discuss what went well and what everyone could have done better. John Eckart was the winner and you can see full results under Racing.

Four Women Skippers participated in the 2025 Women Skippers Regatta, our 25th annual event. The day started out a bit chilly but warmed up to the 70's and the winds were northerly 8-10 MPH. We could not have asked for a nicer day. PRO Gary Werden and crew ran 4 windward leeward 4-leg races and Connie Eckart with crew John Eckart won all 4 races! You can see full results under Racing. We were treated to a cookout after racing and we talked about how much fun we had. Such a cool event! Let's get a few more women out there next year!

There was a noce turnout for the Cocktails, Mocktails and S'mores on the beach. The weather was perfect and the night was loads of fun. THanks to Lori Watson for organinzing this. Hopefully it will be an anuual event! Thanks to Lynn Hemmendinger for the photos.

Per Massachusetts Environmental Police laws, starting April 1, 2026, anyone wishing to operate a motorized vessel in Massachusetts will be required to complete an approved boating safety education course. The goal is to ensure that every boater has the skills and knowledge needed to operate their vessel safely, reducing accidents and ensuring a more enjoyable experience for all. The education program will cover important topics such as:

• Navigation Rules: Understand how to safely maneuver on the water and avoid collisions.
• Emergency Procedures: Learn what to do in case of an emergency to protect yourself and your passengers.
• Environmental Protections: Gain awareness of practices that protect Massachusetts' treasured natural resources. 

• If you were born after January 1, 1989, you must complete the course by April 1, 2026, with no penalties assessed until September 1, 2026.
• If you were born on or before January 1, 1989, you’ll have until April 1, 2028, to complete the course. 

The course is offered online and costs less than $50 - you can enroll here https://www.boat-ed.com/massachusetts/

You can take the course for free in person at one of these scheduled events https://www.mass.gov/info-details/boating-safety-course-schedule

Photo by Skip Russell

Massapoag 76th Regatta big boats Day 1 - After breakfast, the morning brought spotty wind so PRO Roger Sharp kept us on shore rather than floating on the water. Mark Riefenhauser was out sailing and helping the RC judge the situation and that was appreciated! We stayed on shore through lunch. We finally got wind later in the dsy and the RC managed 2 great races, one with a 45° wind shift that they wiickly adjusted for. Following that was Donna Rousseau and team treating us to an incredible array of appetizers and cocktails. And then, we had our steak, chicken, lobster and pasta dinner and make your own sundaes desserts. 

Day 2 - 4 more races today! Thanks to all who came and all who helped. All in all, a really fun event!

Photos by Skip Russell and others are here. Results are here.