As I was going through some old photos the other day, I realized that I never put up pictures from the 2011 Eggemoggin Reach Regatta. I posted photos from the race in 2009 and 2010, but somehow it fell by the wayside last summer. Given that the ERR is the best weekend of the year, my failure to post about it makes zero sense. But better late than never, right?
The ERR, started in 1985 by Steve White of Brooklin Boat Yard and Taylor Allen of Rockport Marine (both family friends and wonderful men and sailors), takes place in the first week of August. Over 125 of the most beautiful wooden boats sail in a feeder race up to Brooklin on Friday afternoon, and then race around the Reach on Saturday. The boats take my breath away every year; the sleek lines of the wooden hulls and the crisp white sails dance around each other at the starting line, move past each other during the race, and come to rest side by side at anchor afterwards (more after the jump).
The boats are just a part of it though; the sailing community is what really makes the race so magical. It's a stereotype that sailors can drink ("yo, ho, ho and a bottle of rum" and all that), and while it's true that salty dogs can definitely put away their fair share of booze, it's the fun they have that's the real truth. After the race there's a huge barbeque, an awards ceremony, and a band that plays Mustang Sally the way Mustang Sally should be played (ie: loud, long, and repeatedly).
The race is notorious for fog, lack of wind, tons of rain, and yet, for the past three years, it's been miraculously beautiful, windy, and warm. Here's a selection of my photos from 2011; hopefully I can attend 2012 and have even more shots to share with you!
Yours truly on the bow of Northern Crown.
Boats heading up in the feeder race from Camden to Castine.
Sails.
Dusk.
Before the start!
More starting line.
The customary lull at the beginning of the race...the wind finally picked up, but there was a very slow moment in there.
Boat between the sails.
Stunning.
Can I have this boat, please? Thanks.
