Celebrating its 7th anniversary this July, the Camden Classics Cup Regatta unfolds in one of the most breathtaking coastal settings in the world, the picturesque Penobscot Bay in Camden, Maine. Located just 18 miles down along the coast from our studio in Belfast, its crystal-clear waters, rocky shores, and scenic islands, provides a stunning backdrop for the well-earned title of the “World’s Most Beautiful” regatta.
With its rich nautical history and stunning natural beauty, this annual gathering has become a celebrated tradition, drawing sailors and spectators alike to experience the thrill of world-class yacht racing and immerse themselves in the charm of a bygone era.
From its beginning, Stephens Waring Design has been proud to be a topline sponsor of the event. The regatta in many ways symbolizes our mission as a company, to celebrate performance, competition, and the heritage of yacht design — with a modern twist.
Camden, known as the “Jewel of the Maine Coast,” has a long history of shipbuilding and seafaring. The regatta serves as a reminder of the region’s deep connection to the sea, preserving and honoring its maritime traditions.
At the heart of the Camden Classics Cup Regatta lies its remarkable fleet of Vintage, Classic, and Spirit of Tradition yachts. Many of which we’ve had the pleasure of designing and retrofitting ourselves. Additionally, the participating PHRF fleets have rounded out the yacht racing demographic that truly illustrates the “Big Tent” representation this regatta aims to deliver to all sailors.
The races are not only a test of performance and strategy, but also an opportunity to witness the splendor of these timeless vessels gracefully cutting through the waves. The vintage and classic fleets are an amazing collection of boats that harken back to a time when craftsmanship and artistry were paramount in yacht design. Designs that range from schooners to sleek Spirit of Tradition sloops, the regatta boasts a diverse collection of meticulously restored and maintained vessels, each with its own unique story and character.
One of the unique features of the regatta is that while it has a strong classic and SoT contingent, it also incorporates a modern fleet under PHRF and ORC rating systems,and thus invites boats of all types to get out and share the waters with the classics.
Last year, we invited photojournalist Michael D. Wilson to ride along on our own 45-foot wood-composite yawl, ZINGARA, to document the experience. We’re excited to share the photos which capture the spirit and joy of the Camden Cup Classics from the perspective of our crew during this spectacular sailing event.
Register for the 2023 Camden Classics Regatta July 27-29, 2023
