After seven years of racing from Annapolis to St. Michaels early in the month of May, the 8th annual Elf Classic features a new date, exclusively on the Miles River, and with changes that should please skippers and spectators alike. The Elf Classic is sponsored by the Classic Yacht Restoration Guild (CYRG) and the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum (CBMM).
In the likelihood that late September has a better chance of good weather than the second weekend in May, this year’s race on September 29, will be primarily in view of spectators and will be based on a race course that will not be revealed to the crews until the Captains Meeting that morning. The CYRG race committee will set a series of race courses on the Miles River to choose from and then, in keeping with tradition, there will be a LeMans start and finish, in which captains must meet on land, then row out to their boats to raise anchors and sails. A very entertaining and beautiful beginning.
Captains of historic and classically designed or built vessels are encouraged to join the fleet. The race will support a Day Boats class and a Cruising Boats class; each class will race for first, second and third place plaques made from cut-offs of Elf‘s planking (long leaf yellow pine). Additional awards will honor a Captains Choice, First to Get Underway, and Best-Dressed Ship. The awards ceremony will begin at the conclusion of the race, and spectators are invited to attend the catered reception at at cost of $15 per person.
This race is a treat for all enthusiasts of classic sailboats of a variety of designs, and proceeds of the event through participants and sponsors support the many programs of both CYRG and CBMM. Both websites have additional information and a link to the fascinating drone’s-eyed film of the 2014 ELF Classic Race from Annapolis to St. Michaels.
For safety reasons, participation is limited to 30 vessels and the registration deadline is September 15. Registration and sponsorship forms are available here. Boat owners and captains are urged to contact CYRG founder and Elf captain Rick Carrion by email or (443)-566-2212.
