The Friendship Sloop Society will be celebrating Maine’s maritime history with three days of sloop races in Rockland Harbor. Sloops begin arriving at Rockland Public Landing, 1 Harbor Park on Wednesday, July 16, with races and parade to held through July 19.

The public can view the sloops on the dock any time during the three-day event when not racing. Races begin at 1 p.m. on Thursday, July 17, and Friday July 18. Saturday, July 19, begins with a parade of sloops at 11 a.m. with races beginning at noon. Spectators may watch the races from the Rockland Breakwater and the parade will be visible from the Rockland Public Landing. 

Originally designed and built in Friendship, the sloops served as one of the state’s first lobster and fishing boats and are now a classic Maine pleasure-craft. There are 285 sloops registered with the Friendship Sloop Society including the oldest wooden original built in 1899 that is still sailing today. 

Race length is weather and wind dependent, lasts several hours, and utilizes a five-mark triangular course including a handicap alley to accommodate sloops of all sizes. 

Rockland Maritime Heritage Days will also take place at the Rockland Public Landing on Friday July 18 and Saturday July 19. The Heritage Days will feature numerous vendors, Sloop Society-related chandlery items, Maine maritime history presentations and a live band Saturday night. These events will take place under the large tents near the Harbormaster building.

This event is family-friendly and free to the public.