New England’s best to compete: Maine State Sailing Championship coming to York

YORK — The 2022 Maine State Club 420 Sailing Championship will help kick off this summer’s York Days Week.

One hundred of New England’s best small boat sailors will converge on York Harbor to compete on Monday and Tuesday, August 1st and 2nd, in the regatta hosted jointly this year by Agamenticus Yacht Club and the town of York.

The Agamenticus Yacht Club was awarded the opportunity to host the regatta by virtue of being the home club of last year’s state champions, Grace Gear and Calvin May.

A great deal of planning by the town and club members is ongoing to allow for transportation, storage and launching from York Harbor Beach of the 50 boats anticipated to compete as well as housing of the more than 100 athletes and coaches expected. The two days of racing are currently planned to occur just south of Nubble Lighthouse off of Long Sands Beach.

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Harbor Beach will be open, but Harbor Beach Road will be closed to vehicle traffic and parking Aug. 1-2 to allow for the safe unloading, rigging and storage of all boats participating in the championship. York Parks & Rec plans to provide a shuttle service from St Georges Church to help facilitate easy access to Harbor Beach during the regatta.

“The town of York has been extremely supportive of our efforts to host the championship in town this year,” said Agamenticus Yacht Club’s Vice Commodore Tim Newton. “York Parks & Rec and all of York’s emergency services have really helped to develop a solid plan for a safe and fun event. We look forward to fair weather and two great days of racing in August.”

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Agamenticus Yacht Club is a nonprofit community-centered sailing program that was established in 1937 to "promote and organize sailing activities in York Harbor." The club's current mission is to sustain a community of families who enjoy being on the water. In addition to fielding a competitive racing team, the club maintains a fleet of boats and has a very active junior summer sailing program focusing on safety, enjoyment, knowledge of sailing, and boat maintenance and also holds adult sailing lessons and clinics.

For more information, visit the club’s website at http://aycsail.org/index.html.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Maine State Club 420 Sailing Championship coming to York, Maine