I know, I know, Boston. Tuesday, September 23, marks the official end of summer. But before you start thinking that autumn will be gone with the blink of an eye, and we’ll soon be blanketed under inches upon inches of snow, let’s settle down for a hot second. Because one of Boston’s most engaging park systems is throwing a party with plenty of fall fare.
The Boston Harbor Islands Alliance – stewards of the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area along with the likes of the National Park Service, City of Boston, U.S. Coast Guard and plenty others – announced the date for the 10th annual Boston Harbor Islands Regatta.
The maritime race is slated to kick off on Saturday, September 27, at which point, tide depending, more than 100 22-foot LOA and larger vessels will slice through Boston Harbor and make their way around the likes of Georges Island, Lovells Island, Little Calf Island, Little Brewster island and Shag Rocks as the final points earning race in the Mass Bay Pursuit Series.
Mike Dyer, vice president of development & external affairs at the Boston Harbor Islands Alliance, told BostInno that not only will there be a world-class sailing race for people to enjoy before the season makes such a spectacle impossible, but there’s an after party as well. Having attended the Spectacle on Spectacle Island event in honor of developer and philanthropist Jay Cashman, I can personally attest that the Islands Alliance crew knows how to throw down. And throw down they did, with conviction and style.
“There will be live music, bbq, Gosling dark-n-stormys, beer, swag and an awesome silent auction with over $10k of trips, art, and more,” Dyer confirmed in an email. “Proceeds from the event help support the Boston Harbor Islands National Park.” They’re hoping to raise a total of $40,000 to support Harbor Islands programming and community outreach.
If you’re interested in getting in on the race, registration is open until Friday, September 26, after which may still be open per the discretion of the Boston Harbor Islands Regatta Committee.
If you’re looking for a day to enjoy some aquatic activities and one of the last few days of outdoor weather worthy of such an extravaganza, you can book your tickets here. The $40 cost will cover two drinks and that tasty bbq lunch, but remember: that money is going towards advantageous community initiatives, so it’s well worth the cost. Keep in mind, though, ferry tickets are separate, so be sure to pick them up at the Boston Harbor Islands Pavilion on the Rose Kennedy Greenway or at Long Wharf.
For more information on the Regatta check out the Boston Harbor Islands Alliance website here.
