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.