Star Island Corporation

Gosport Regatta 2012 partners announced

Andersen Windows is race-day sponsor

Star Island Corp. announced Wednesday the business partners for its upcoming regional pursuit race.

Star Island’s Chief Executive Officer Victoria Hardy said Andersen Windows will serve as the race day sponsor for the 2012 Gosport Regatta to be held Saturday, June 9, in partnership with the Piscataqua Sailing Association.

“We are using Andersen Windows in all our building renovations on Star Island now because they can stand up to the harsh environment,” Hardy said. “We are thrilled the company will serve as our race day sponsor. We also wish to thank Shops at Star for generously opening the doors of its boutiques for the event to provide an attractive line of regatta apparel, a full line of casual garments and sportswear and fascinating stories of the island history in the bookstore.”

The Gosport Regatta was first held on Star Island in 1874. In 1875, the Oceanic Cup was won by the famous yacht America for which the America’s Cup is named. The vintage-style sailing race will be followed by an island party, signature cocktails, a picnic lunch, and a live performance by the Funky Divas. The 2012 event serves as a pre-season mini-conference and features an option for an overnight stay at Star Island’s historic Oceanic Hotel. The race is expected to draw hundreds of sailing enthusiasts and racing skippers to the Granite State. Competitors from ports as far south as Marblehead, Mass., and north to Portland, Maine, will participate. The event proceeds will benefit Star Island’s sustainability campaign entitled the “Green Gosport Initiative.”

“We’re delighted to support the Gosport Regatta and Star Island’s revitalization project,” said Chip Decato of Andersen Windows. “We are proud to work with Star Island on smart improvements that will allow the unique community to serve future generations of visitors. Our partnership blends Andersen’s newest window technology and lasting quality with Star Island’s enduring beauty and habitat. We’re excited to see the progress continue.”

Top sponsors of the Gosport Regatta include Andersen Windows, Boston Beer Company, Gosling’s Rum, the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company, the Piscataqua Sailing Association, and Shops on Star. Additional sponsors include Aqua Communications; Coastal Home Magazine; Foster’s Daily Democrat; Wayne and Paulette Semprini of Olde Port Properties; Piscataqua Savings Bank; Sir Speedy; Taste Magazine, and Waste Management.

“Thank you to our generous business sponsors from the Seacoast and beyond,” said Island General Manager Joe Watts. “Our small nonprofit organization maintains Star Island for public enjoyment.

Our race sponsors contribute to our ability to sustain the historic island properties and deliver an exceptional recreation and educational experience. We offer affordable individual and family retreats and invite everyone to spend a day, stay a week and remember for a lifetime.”

Ticket prices for the 2012 Gosport Regatta are: crew $35; spectator aboard M/V Thomas Laighton $75; crew with overnight at Star Island $145, and spectator with overnight $170.

Follow Gosport Regatta on Twitter at www.twitter.com/gosportregatta and join in the conversation with hashtag #gosportregatta. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.gosportregatta.org.