Mahone Bay's Classic Boat Festival may have been scuttled, however, another mid-summer marine-themed event is sailing up the harbour to take its place.

 Plans have been announced to hold the first Mahone Bay Regatta July 30 to August 1 at various venues around the town and on the water.

 Dave Devenne, chairman of the Mahone Bay Wooden Boat Society says the purpose of holding a regatta is to bring the focus of the town's annual summer event back on the boats themselves.

 "That's what started the festival, the love that people have for their boats and I think that's what brings people to Mahone Bay," he explains. "The chance to see the boats, whether it's at a distance or it's up close."

 To that end, the organizing committee has been holding discussions with a number of boating-related groups from across the province, including the Nova Scotia Schooner Association, the Bluenose B24 group and the International One Design group, who all have committed their participation. It is hoped the Chester class fleet will be attending as well.

 Mr. Devenne says they also plan on talking with the Mahone Bay Chamber of Commerce to see if the committee can work with that body in order "to do something a little bit extra to try and attract and accommodate the visitors for this.

 "Again, that's the shift in focus. We're moving this thing away from the wharf, and we're going to engage the whole town of Mahone Bay," he says.

 With boats, there will of course be racing and that will include a poker run on Saturday as well as sailboat and small boat races being held over the course of the weekend.

 Busker-style entertainment is being planned for various venues around town and talks are under way with several musical groups who are being asked to perform concerts on the town bandstand.

 Other items of interest being planned include workshops at the Mahone Bay Centre, a presentation by around-the-world-solo sailor Derek Hatfield, tours of marine-related businesses, food vendors, a treasure hunt, performances by the South Shore Players, a marine-related flea market, and a traditional favourite, a boat launch carried out by a team of oxen.

 "And the key event [is] the re-enactment of the burning of the Teazer, with the King's Orange Rangers and long boats with costumed crews," he says. "This will be an opportunity for townsfolk and visitors alike to dress in costume for the pirate's stroll on the wharf on Saturday evening."

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 Such activities are expected to be much more cost-efficient than some of those held during the previous festival - such as a parade, fireworks and paid entertainment - and will also reduce stress on the volunteers.

 Mr. Devenne says that when word broke that the Classic Boat Festival was being scrapped, he was inundated with calls from people concerned about it being cancelled and asking how they might assist in helping to bring it back.

 They will have that opportunity to step forward April 5 when the committee meets at the Mahone Bay Centre at 7 p.m.

 "Anyone who is interested in working with the team to put this regatta weekend together is welcome," he says. "I think, from a boating perspective, the Mahone Bay Regatta is going to be a bigger event than the old festival was."

For more info on the Mahone Bay Regatta (featuring Pirate Days) go to http://www.mahonebayregatta.ca

posted on 03/30/10