CAMDEN, Maine — The Camden Classics Cup is in its eighth year with festivities in full swing. The three-day event began on Thursday with the regatta kicking off Saturday at noon.
Over the days, events vary from a classic car show, harbor cleanup, and a youth regatta.
When Lyman-Morse, the local shipbuilding company that organizes the event, first started the Cup, they didn’t anticipate it to go as well as it has. Scott Layton, a yacht broker and event organizer, was there in the beginning.
"Everyone's really loved it. It’s been great," Layton said. "It’s been more successful than I ever thought it would be."
While most of the action occurs far from shore, Layton said the event is for everyone, not just sailors.
"[It's] something that everybody can be a part of and enjoy and take advantage of the location we are in," Layton added. "It’s pretty spectacular."
On Friday, the main event was the youth regatta. Nearly 100 young sailors were out on the water trimming sails and competing.
Holly Paterson, the Cups' event director, said that youth regatta is helping "build the future of racing and sailing."
"The first year that we did it, we had 25 kids," she said. "It’s grown into a really big event of its own"
The three-day event brings many sailors from near and far, giving local businesses plenty of fresh business.
Andrew Stewart, owner, distiller, and manager of Barren's, said that the crowds the event brings are only second to the Fourth of July.
"It’s great for the business. It brings tons of people in," he said. "It’s a really fun weekend."
Festivities continue into Saturday, kicking off with the Parade of Sail at 10 a.m. Spectators are encouraged to watch the ships as they sail through the harbor before heading out to open water for the regatta.
Starting at noon, a record-tying 89 ships will be racing this year. The race will be followed by a party and awards ceremony.