The Mitchell Regattas are biannual races from Newport to Block Island started by Newport Yacht Club member and past commodore Cliff Mitchell. The first edition took place Memorial Day weekend of 1983 and was named in honor of Cliff’s grandfather Owen L. Mitchell. The following year, with the passing of Cliff’s father Earl L. Mitchell, Cliff added a fall edition of the race on Columbus Day weekend of 1984. Since Cliff’s passing in 2011 both are known simply as the Mitchell Regattas. These are relaxed events with an emphasis on fun. Racing is non-spinnaker only and uses a staggered start with starting times based on PHRF time-on-distance. One-design classes are also possible with a minimum of three boats required for a class. First, second, and third place trophies are awarded in each class, and the John E. Rebello team race recognizes the best combination of finishes among teams made up of three boats from different classes.
Besides a sailing race, this is very much a social event; cruising sailboats and powerboats are welcome! The generosity of Payne’s Dock deep dockage discount for this event more than makes up for the registration cost in just a single-night stay. Non-racers are also welcome to participate in the dockside Bloody Mary, costume and hors d’oeuvres contests. To register, use the button below and select “Yes” in the “Non-Racer” section; for powerboats, please note this in the “Boat Model” field, e.g. “GB36 (Power)”. See the Notice of Race below for the schedule of events and feel free to arrive and depart at your own schedule, keeping in mind the dockage discount applies to only the two nights of the event.
PHRF-NB ratings are used for this race. For boats that have participated in any previous edition that don’t have any equipment or rating changes since last participation, there is no need to send an updated certificate. If you have changes, please email an appropriate updated rating certificate, or at least the details of the changes to Brian Clayton. For sailboats wishing to race, but lacking a current PHRF-NB certificate, please email the organizer at the aforementioned address with basic details of the boat, such as make, model, year, propeller type, and headsail sizes, along with any other rating certificates you might have for the boat and we will come up with a rating.
43rd Annual Memorial Day Edition
Friday, May 23 – Monday, May 26, 2025
Registration is over!
Notes
On Saturday, the forecast had been for westerly winds of 10-15 knots, with gusts to 20, but the reality was mostly upper teens from the southwest, maybe WSW. The seas were fairly steep and confused with much pounding reported. Aboard Salty Beach, we around 0800 in hopes of arriving at the same time as the competitors. As we approached Point Judith, the support for the mast compression post partly collapsed, but we were able to quickly douse the sails before the rig came down. We motored back to Newport where we unloaded the boat and headed home to South Kingstown. I (Brian) scrambled to load up my bicycle trailer with all the trophies and beer, then ride down to the Block Island ferry in time for the 5 o’clock boat. Bill and Kim on Larvik had very generously offered me a spot so I called ahead to confirm that they still had a bunk available for me. They confirmed, but informed me their boat had partially flooded and suffered a small electrical fire! It seems the knot-meter impeller had popped loose during the pounding on the way out. Fortunately, they are level-headed and experienced mariners who were able to get the plug back in and make it into Payne’s dock sans-instruments. Aside from the fact that they had all the cushions and clothing spread out to dry on deck, they had cleaned the interior so well by the time I arrived, it looked like nothing had happened.
Sunday was partly sunny with highs in the low 60s, breezy with northwest winds around 15 knots. The contests and awards went well.
Monday was mostly sunny with light winds from the south
Cliff Mitchell Trophy
For the closest (to third) fourth-place finish: Gallop
John E. Rebello Team Trophy
- EGYC Blue Team (SoCoWe and Wild T’ing): 6 points (Winner)
- EGYC Red Team (Coconut and Spartina): 7 points
- Alba and Larvik: 8 points
Bloody Mary Contest
Winner: Whalayed with a tequila-based recipe
Other Entries: SoCoWe and Vento Solare
Hors d’oeuvre Contest
Taste
- SoCoWe mini tacos
- Larvik “BI Sinkers” (chicken wrapped in bacon with dipping sauce)
- Coconut chive sweet chili
Presentation
- SoCoWe mini tacos
- Vento Solare caprese ladybugs
- Whalayed Jaws theme veggie and cheese tray