The fourth annual Gosport Regatta sets sail on Saturday, June 8. Organized by Star Island and the Piscataqua Sailing Association, this premier seacoast event allows spectators to experience the excitement of open ocean racing with a fleet of 40 sailboats in the racing, cruising and J-24 classes.
“We are thrilled that this event continues and grows stronger each year,” said Joe Watts, Star Island CEO. “Star Island is the perfect location for end-of-race festivities and an opportunity to bring guests, crews, skippers, and sponsors together in the historic dining room of the Oceanic Hotel.”
Originally held in 1874 and revived in 2010, the Gosport Regatta features live entertainment by some of the region’s finest musicians. The race weekend kicks off on the night of Friday, June 7 with a reception for sponsors and skippers. Performing at the reception are local musicians Jim White and Dave Brown as the Brown and White Band. Their music is an eclectic mix of R&B, blues, rock, standards, and jazz.
The Funky Divas return on Saturday, June 8 to perform for the Regatta race day. The non-stop style of the Funky Divas gets people up and rocking with an R&B/gospel style.
Sunday brunch will feature Constellation, the acoustic music duet of Eric Thomas and Helen Wolfson from North Carolina. Wolfson plays the hammered dulcimer with Thomas accompanying on guitar. From the blues on the hammered dulcimer through high-energy instrumentals to string-bending guitar leads played against folk and Celtic standards, Constellation covers a lot of ground.
Visit StarIsland.org/Regatta to register and for more information about the Gosport Regatta. Spectators staying for the overnight will experience all race day events and the next day’s brunch.
Spectators will board the M/V Thomas Laighton departing out of Portsmouth and head out to the mouth of the Piscataqua River to start the race. While viewing the race, the Laighton will make its way to Star Island and dock for an afternoon bbq.
Star Island is New England’s most unique summer island home to a racing tradition started in 1874. Located approximately 10 miles off the coast of New Hampshire, Star Island is part of the National Register of Historic Places. More information about Star Island and the Gosport Regatta may be found at StarIsland.org.