Thanks to Finn Hadlock for this report:
Fleet 43, SailMaine and Portland Yacht Club hosted the annual Downeast Regatta presented by Portland Yacht Services. This event also served as the Maine State, District One and Northeast Regional Championships. Over two days, PRO Bill Newberry fit in the scheduled seven races in light air, as the 18 teams from New York to Annapolis battled through typical Maine current, seaweed and breeze changes. Going into the seventh and final race, Mr. Hankey was trailing by one point, but took control of the regatta at the first windward mark and went on to win the last race and the Championship in dramatic fashion. Congratulations to the Mr. Hankey team: Andrew Carey, Steph Helms, James Barnash, Kj Wolaver and James McCracken on winning the Downeast Regatta as well as the Maine State, District One and Northeast Regional Championship. Finn Hadlock’s Boreas finished in second, and Steve Tenney’s Jasmine in third. Mr. Hankey and Boreas both qualified for the 2024 J/24 World Championship in Seattle, WA. Thank you to all the sponsors and volunteers, including our incredible Regatta Co-Chairs Myles Everett and Kate Drake. For full event details, visit https://j24fleet43.com/downeast-regatta.
