From Thursday, Sept. 10 through Sunday, Sept. 13, the Solomons Island Model Boat Club, sponsored by the Calvert Marine Museum, is hosting the 2009 Vintage Model Yacht Regatta. The Regatta, an annual event that takes place in different locations along the coast, will feature races with Skipjacks, Schooners, and Vintage-class models. 

Spotlight Photo and This Photo Courtesy of Butch Garren and Top Photo Courtsey of Craig Corl.

For those who have never seen a model sailboat regatta, it is a rare sight. Dozens of beautifully detailed boats, ranging from the smaller class 36-inch vintage boats to some over six feet long, glide along the waters of the Back Bay with their colorful sails taut against the wind.

Spectators can view the races from underneath or on the deck of the Drum Point Lighthouse. Contestants include entries from Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio, and Illinois. Some 30 participants are expected to enter multiple model sailboats over the course of the four day event.

A model boat represents an intricate combination of craftsmanship and engineering that takes at least two to three months to complete. Enthusiasts are a specialized group who take great pains to replicate full size vessels, and to ensure accuracy and speed of their diminutive craft. Each bears the signature style of its creator, complete with unique sails and markings. Model boats built by members of the museum club are on display at the Prince Frederick Library and in the lobby of the Calvert Marine Museum.

The event begins on Thursday afternoon at 1:00 p.m., Sept. 10 with sailing Skipjacks and large and small Schooners. The races continue through the day on Friday. On Saturday, the Vintage models take to the water and are appearing in this event for the first time with the Skipjacks and Schooners.

In the past, Vintage-class models have had a Regatta of their own. Vintage races will be completed Sunday morning. Museum visitors are invited to view the races during regular museum hours, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Regular admission applies, but there is no additional charge for the Regatta.

On Friday, Sept. 11, at 8 p.m. the public is invited to attend a presentation by Scott Todd, well known waterman and model maker from the Eastern Shore. Mr. Todd will be talking about his restoration of the full-size skipjack Lady Katie, which is docked in Cambridge, Maryland. This free lecture will be in the museum auditorium.

For more information about the Solomons Island Model Boat Club and the 2009 Vintage Model Yacht Regatta, visit the website at http://simbc.wetpaint.com.