Yacht captains and crew, friends of the yachting community, and Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard Teammates and tenants are invited to race pumpkins and raise funds for Newport’s public sailing center, SAIL NEWPORT.

On Friday, October 16, the local yachting community is invited to Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard to participate in or watch at the annual “Pumpkin Regatta” to raise funds for Sail Newport in Newport, RI from 4:00-7:00pm. Food from A Mano Pizza truck will be served along with beverages thanks to sponsors Newport Yacht Builders, Casey’s Oil & Propane, Newport Rigging Group, and more.

Started more than fourteen years ago, the Pumpkin Regatta has become a beloved annual tradition and fundraiser with all proceeds given to a different organization each year. Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard Teammates organize the annual event by painting three fiberglass pumpkins, setting up food and beverages for all to enjoy, and asking local companies to sponsor the event and/or donate items for a silent auction. “The Shipyard Pumpkin Regatta has become a favorite event for captains, crew, and friends of the Shipyard to participate in and observe,” said Michael Millerick, General Manager of Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard. “This year will be no different with many seasonal yachts participating and support from our trusted subcontractors, tenants, and local businesses,” Millerick said.

“This year’s regatta will benefit Sail Newport, New England’s largest public sailing center, located at Fort Adams State Park in Newport, RI. Last year, we had over 125 people join us to race and cheer on their friends and fellow crew members, all while raising over $7,500,” Millerick said.

“Many think the America’s Cup is the pinnacle in the yachting universe. Those people have never experienced a Pumpkin Regatta at Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard,” said Brad Read, Executive Director of Sail Newport. “These teams prepare all season to make sure they have the best costumes or the best tactics to either tip their competition’s pumpkin over or paddle their way to victory!” Read said with a smile. “This is a must-see for any yachting enthusiast and we are once again grateful to be named the designated charity for this year’s Pumpkin Regatta,” Read concluded.

Teams will compete in a relay-style race across Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard’s ‘Main Street’ basin for bragging rights as the fastest team. Many boat crews are planning to beat last year’s winner who will return to defend their title. Teams are allowed to race more than once to best their own time, and there will be prizes for fastest team and best costumes. “The energy around the Pumpkin Regatta is always lighthearted and festive, which is a nice outlet for captains and crew who are often working long days getting ready for their return to warmer climates,” continued Millerick. “We hope to keep this tradition going for many years to come.”

Paddlers and spectators are asked to pay $25 each to enter, and there will also be a silent auction and direct donation opportunities available during the event.

Local Newport businesses who have generously donated products and overnight stays for the silent auction and raffle include: The Brenton Hotel; CK Bradley; Clarke Cooke House; Gold’s Wine and Spirits; Newport Marriott; Monelle Newport; Newport Mansions; Onne van der Wal Photography & Video; Big Weather Gear; and Safe Harbor Marinas. “A big thanks to our donors and sponsors who are helping to make this annual event a huge success,” Millerick concluded.

For more information, contact: Veronica Brown, 401-855-0945 or email: vbrown@shmarinas.com. Click here to register or to make a donation to Sail Newport.

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About Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard: Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard is one of the most popular and recommended shipyards in the United States. The full-service marina and shipyard has over 3,500 linear feet of dock space that can accommodate yachts longer than 300 feet. Its amenities include a dockside café, ship store, fitness center, and marina vehicles. Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard is host to many prestigious yachting events including the Newport Charter Yacht Show, Gosling’s Rum Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard Crew Party for the biennial Newport to Bermuda Race, Safe Harbor Race Weekend, Newport Yacht Rendezvous benefitting the Boys & Girls Club of Newport County, and Newport Brokerage Boat Show. For more information, visit: https://safeharbor.com/locations/safe-harbor-newport-shipyard

Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard to host annual "Pumpkin Regatta" Friday, October 16, to benefit Sail Newport