2026 PORTLAND YACHT SERVICES J/24 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
& State of Maine Championship
September 9th - 13th, 2026
Presented by Portland Yacht Services
Hosted by Portland Yacht Club, SailMaine, and Fleet 43
ABOUT THE EVENT:
The Downeast Regatta hosts between 20 and 40 boats every year, some travelling across the U.S. and Canada to Maine. This event is known for great sailing, excellent race committee work, unique venue, a traditional Maine Lobster Bake, live musical entertainment and much more. The event has been hosted annually since 1986, making this year’s Downeast Regatta - the 2026 Portland Yacht Services J24 US National Championship - our 40th year at the helm. A huge thanks goes out to the thousands of volunteers and countless sponsors that have made this event possible for decades.
Portland Yacht Services has kindly provided their waterfront venue for the Downeast Regatta. Their 22 acres in downtown Portland offer protected access to Casco Bay and convenient amenities for time on the water.
Facilities include 330-ton and 150-ton travel lifts, hydraulic trailers, and new indoor buildings that handle 100-foot boats and larger. They have modern service equipment and skilled craftsmen who provide unmatched vessel care in the area.
PYS has a long history of supporting sailing—youth education on schooner-based ocean classrooms and sponsorship of local Maine one-design fleets. Consider PYS for your boating needs, and thank them for their ongoing support of sailing.
PLATINUM & GOLD SPONSORS
SILVER & BRONZE SPONSORS
Add your Company’s logo! Become a Downeast Regatta Sponsor
Contact the Downeast Regatta Committee at fleet43maine@gmail.com for sponsorship opportunities!
REGATTA VOLUNTEERS:
Are you interested in helping out behind the scenes, onshore during the event, or out on the race course? We’d love to hear from you!
This event would not exist--nearly 40 years later--without our great volunteers! Please the link below to sign up to help where you can.
All volunteers are welcome to attend the welcome reception Friday evening & festivities Saturday night, which includes beverages and live music. Volunteers can purchase tickets for the lobster dinner here.
PORTLAND YACHT SERVICES
100 West Commercial St, Portland, Maine 04102
REGATTA CONTACTS:
Questions? Send an email to fleet43maine@gmail.com
Inquiries into Boat Charters can be sent to wfinnhadlock@gmail.com
Event Co-Chairs: Finn Hadlock & Tom Wells
Fleet Captain: Dan Charest
Fleet Race Officer: Finn Hadlock
Event Committee: Sean Davis, Molly White, Eliza Price, Caleb Niles, Elliot Gear
