Elf Classic Yacht Race; Annapolis May 21 2011

For a professed sailing center, Annapolis has been behind the eight ball in running a classic yacht race (Annapolis does have the "Good Old Boat" regatta in the fall for all the classic plastic classes - but this isn't quite the same). Well, this year saw the inaugural running of the Elf Classic Yacht Race featuring the historically significant, restored 1888 topsail cutter "Elf" and the replica Sandbaggers. The race was also open to more modern "Classic Yachts" such as a 50' S&S design and Capt. Earl's smaller version of the "Bluenose" schooner. The course was the always popular Bay crossing, Annapolis to St. Michaels.

I was able to catch the start of the race on Saturday morning. It was a traditional start as was common practice in the late 1800's. At 9 am, the start gun was fired from the upper deck of the Eastport Yacht Club. Skippers hopped into their dinghies/inflatables and rowed like mad to their yachts. Only when the skippers arrived and climbed on deck, could the anchors be weighed, sails hoisted and racing commence.

A short video of "Elf" starting the Race named after her.................



For more info on Elf, refer to Thomas Armstrong's excellent posts on Elf from his blog "70.8%".

I do have a question for the bloggosphere? What in the world is the figurehead for Elf?... a sea monster? a sea pig with fangs?..... see the following pics...........





San Francisco has been running their Classic Yacht event, the Master Mariners Regatta, for years. A short video of some of the Classics spotted at this years Master Mariners regatta..........

2011 Master Mariners Regatta- the teaser from Phinneas Photoboy on Vimeo.

Elf Classic Race - Video of the 2014 Version

Back in 2011 I covered the start of the inaugural Elf Classic Yacht Race run in June from Annapolis, across the Chesapeake Bay to the always popular Eastern Shore harbor of St. Michaels. The centerpiece of the race and the race's namesake is the restored 1888 Lawley topsail cutter, the Elf. I didn't catch the start of this year's race but in addition to Elf and the participation of the two reproduction Sandbaggers, based in Annapolis, a very brave Log Canoe crew ventured way, way out of their traditional confines of Eastern Shore river racing and dared the Bay crossing as well.

I came across this very good video documenting the 2014, Elf Classic Race.

Header Photo; 1888 Topsail Cutter "Elf"

I wrote a post in June about the Elf Classic Yacht Race, a cross-the-Chesapeake Bay Classic Yacht Race. This is the restored 'Elf', off Annapolis Harbor, waiting for her skipper to row out so she can get underway in the race.