ROCKLAND — The Apprenticeshop hosted the Pumpkin Spice Regatta on Saturday, Sept. 14, drawing sailors from Islesboro, Camden, Rockland, Boothbay, and Portland.

Spirits were bright amidst the grey and blustery day, and the boats were powered up in near 20 knots of wind.

The strong southwest breeze sometimes shifted west in the gusts, offering a tactical advantage to those who spotted the boats shifting position on the moorings.

Rockland volunteer Ken Pride and Rockland Sailing coach Pat DiLalla were instrumental in helping facilitate for the day and long-time volunteer Peter Clapp was able to help the starting process for the races.

Nine boats hit the start line, each carrying a skipper and a crew.

The boats are part of a 16 boat fleet owned by the Apprenticeshop and used for competitive middle and high school sailing programs in the spring and fall as well as recreational programs in the summer.

In the high winds, these boats are designed to “skip” or plane across the surface of the water and several of the racers experienced this during Saturday’s race.

The fall season is typically open to seventh and eight graders and several were racing this weekend with the Apprenticeshop’s Rockland Conglomerate Team, which is open to area youth in the fall and splits into two teams with Camden area sailors in the spring sailing season.

In the end, the Islesboro team, which practices after school at the Apprenticeshop, took a clear lead, doggedly chased by the Rockland team in second, and followed up by Boothbay.

Despite the high winds, very few capsized and sailors were able to get in about a dozen races before coming ashore to the Apprenticeshop for chili and pumpkin-themed treats brought by parents.

The Apprenticeshop was founded in 1972 and continues to be a school for wooden boatbuilding and seamanship.

Rockland’s community sailing program is a part of the Apprenticeshop and offers adult and youth programs on the water from April to October as well as field trips, custom and after-school programs for schools, individuals, and groups on maritime crafts and experiential learning.

The off-season brings in lectures and indoor workshops, and the organization is open to hearing ideas about future educational offerings. Those with ideas can email info@apprenticeshop.org or stop by weekdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

To learn more about the organization, visit them on Facebook and Instagram.

Nate Hathaway is the Sailing Director at The Apprenticeshop. 

Reach the sports department at: sports@penbaypilot.com.