Barnacle hosting Washington's Birthday Regatta

Follow in the wake of yacht designer and founder of Biscayne Bay Yacht Club, Commodore Ralph Middleton Munroe, with boat races and a Chowder Party at The Barnacle on Saturday, February 22 to celebrate the Washington’s Birthday Regatta which honors the spirit of the first boat races held on Biscayne Bay in 1887 

This event is open to all vessels of traditional design regardless of construction. Skippers of mud hens, sea pearls, bulls eyes, sharpies, Bahama dinghies, cat boats, etc. can register in advance for $50 per entry or for $75 on race day. Custom designs or other non-traditional modern designs are welcome and will be assigned to the Open Class Pursuit Race by the Race Committee. 

Registration and a Skippers’ Meeting will also be on the day of the races, which start at noon. Everyone meets back at The Barnacle at 5:30 pm for the customary post-race Chowder Party where period attire (1851-1933) is encouraged. Sailors trade tales of the day’s adventures, and awards are presented for best costume and to the winners in each racing division. Registered skippers and crews eat free, and non-sailing guests can join for $10 each. 

The next day, sailors can also participate in a fun Mail Run sail and raft-up on Biscayne Bay to commemorate the Commodore's sailing trips to Fowey Rocks to pick up the mail from passing schooners.

To register a vessel, please visit TheBarnacle.org or email Jessica.Cabral@FloridaDEP.gov. 

The Barnacle is at 3485 Main Highway.