The first regatta was put on by the Boatmen’s Protective Association on the Fourth of July in 1867. They raced the working boats of the time; coastal schooners and sailing scows. As the era of sail past to power the regatta was abandoned by 1891.

In 1965 the regatta was revived in honor of National Maritime Day. Now organized by the San Francisco Bay Master Mariners Benevolent Association and held on Memorial Day Weekend it has become a great exhibition truly beautiful classic boats on the water and under sail. These boats where actively sailing the bay before many of use where born. The local maritime tradition is represented by the Classic scows, Alma, Gas Light, the Bird and Bear Boat Classes, and many other historically significant boats. Most of these boats are still actively sailed today with a calender of special regattas year round.

This year’s events are hosted by Encinal Yacht Club. Photos taken during the start and at the Blackaller mark rounding, May 26, 2007

For results go to http://www.mastermariners.org