The Atlantic Cup is the longest offshore sailing race in the western Atlantic Ocean, covering a whopping 1,000 nautical miles. We get the unique pleasure of getting to witness these hardened sailors in June, when they arrive in Portland to end their trek up the coast from South Carolina. The race begins on May 26th and stops in NYC before making its way north to Maine, according to Press Herald. The boats will arrive at Maine Wharf on June 4th.

The 12-boat race, featuring Class 40 boats with two-person crews, will be completed in three parts: the first leg is a 640-mile long haul from Charleston to New York City; the second a shorter 360-mile sprint from NYC to Portland, and wrapping up with a five-race regatta over the weekend of June 9th-10th in Casco Bay. According to Press Herald, the boats can add four crew members upon arrival to Portland to help navigate the tight Casco Bay course.

We can watch the exciting inshore races from Fort Allen Park on the Eastern Prom (or on the water if you have a vessel yourself!) and meet the international crews competing!

Race Director Hugh Piggin says Portland has been the perfect end location for the Atlantic Cup, which is why the race is returning this year, reports Press Herald.

“The community was very welcoming, the hospitality was great,” he said. “Sailing around the harbor was perfect.”

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