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Regatta COMMITTEE Throws down the Gauntlet at AMERICAN SCHOONER ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING and the legendary Fisherman's Cup Race is revived after 70 Year absence.

PROVINCETOWN, Mass, (March 17, 2008) - The steering committee of the 2008 Great Provincetown Schooner Regatta & Yacht Race attended the annual American Schooner Association meeting in Mystic, Connecticut on February 2nd where the group was warmly received by the captains of schooners from all over New England and America. The committee members who made the trip were 2008 co-chair Ken DiGregorio, Susan Avellar, John Santos, Lory Stewart, Harbormaster Rex McKinsey and Provincetown Public Pier Corporation Chairman Len Clingham.

"We were greeted warmly by several of the captains who have competed in our regatta over the years," DiGregorio said. "One captain even stood up and sang our praises and urged all those in the room to sail to Provincetown for our event. It was a great feeling."

Susan Avellar, speaking on behalf of the Schooner Hindu and the GPSR committee was recognized and took the opportunity to throw down the gauntlet for a Cape Ann to Cape Cod Fisherman's Cup Challenge. The Fisherman's Cup races of the late 18 th and early 19 th centuries were held to celebrate the great tradition of racing back to port after weeks of fishing off the Great Banks. The 1907 race sponsored by Sir Thomas Lipton was won by Provincetown's own Rose Dorothea . This silver Fisherman's Cup, known locally as the Lipton Cup, is proudly displayed in the Provincetown Public Library.

"We challenged the schooner captains to a race from Gloucester to Provincetown, and they accepted our challenge," Avellar said. The challenge was seconded by schooner Adventurer Captain Mark Faulstick, who has won several trophies at the Provincetown regatta.

The Great Provincetown Schooner Regatta & Yacht Race announces this year's regatta events will take place the weekend after Labor Day, September 3 -6, 2008.   With the gauntlet thrown and accepted, the 2008 committee is proud to announce the revival of the historic Fisherman's Cup race from Gloucester to Provincetown extending the regatta's schedule of events into four full days of nautical competition in Provincetown Harbor and lively entertainment on shore .

2008 Great Provincetown Schooner Regatta & Yacht Race Schedule

Sept 3. -- The Fisherman's Cup Challenge kicks off the week with a race from Gloucester, Massachusetts to Provincetown, across Massachusetts Bay in the great tradition of the Fisherman's Race celebrating the historic Lipton Cup race of 1907. The triumphant schooner will bring home the cup and the glory for her home port.  

Sept 4. -- Commodore's Reception welcomes all visitors at the presentation of the trophy and awards a cash purse to the winning schooner's captain.

Sept 5. - Free Tour of Schooners alongside MacMillan Pier .   This is an opportunity to learn the history of these great vessels and meet the captains and crews as spectators tour the decks and hull of these floating museums. Friday Night Crew Party on Fisherman's Wharf.   The whole town is invited to join the fun with live music, dancing and food.

Sept 6. - The 7 th Annual Great Provincetown Schooner Regatta & Yacht Race follows the Swim4LIfe.   The morning starts with a captains' breakfast for captains and navigators only.   At noon the Parade of Sail passes the gathering of spectators on MacMillan Pier as boats head to the starting line off Long Point.   The race is immediately followed by the Awards Banquet .

For more information about the race, how to become a committee member or to inquire about sponsorships interested parties may visit the regatta's newly re-designed website to find more information about this year's event. www.provincetownschoonerrace.com

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