Southport Magazine

What: Stede Bonnet Regatta
When: Sat., Oct. 27th
Where: Provision Company • 130 Yacht Basin Dr., Southport
Cost: FREE
Info: 457-0654 • www.stedebonnetregatta.com

It’s rare that a sport as exquisite as sailing would have a competition with free registration, but the Provision Company-sponsored Stede Bonnet Regatta is just that. Open to all PHRF self-righting displacement mono-hull boats, the autumn regatta will set sail on Saturday, October 27th.

Yet, there is one hook to the free event: The skipper and crew of all vessels must don costumes, preferably the gear of a true buccaneer. After all, the regatta’s namesake is “The Gentleman Pirate.” Bonnet, an early 18th-century Barbadian pirate, earned his nickname because he was the descendant of an influential family of sugar planters. That is, until he gave up that life to plunder for booty.

Sailors may register online at www.stedebonnetregatta.com, and the regatta will consist of one race. It will feature a pursuit start as each boat will be assigned a starting time. The starting and finish lines will be near the Provision Company pier, determined the morning of the race and announced at the 9:30 a.m. captain’s meeting.

The race will begin at 1 p.m. sharp, and spectators are encouraged to attend the event. The awards party will get under way at 5 p.m. at Provision Company with live entertainment. Awards will be presented to first, second and third places.

In 2010, 31 vessels participated in the event. Skippers and their crews even arrive each year from outside of southeastern North Carolina, as well.

Don’t take things too seriously, though. The regatta seems all in good fun for both sailors and spectators. Hijinks will no doubt ensue as—well, it’s a pirate’s life, after all.