Tiedemann Classics Regatta 2026 preview

Tiedemann Classics Regatta © Paul Todd / Outside Images

There are bigger fleets and regattas that feature faster and more impressive yachts. But when it comes to strumming the heartstrings of those who truly love the sport, there are few events that resonate like the Robert H. Tiedemann Classics Regatta, which will be held June 27 and 28 at the New York Yacht Club Harbour Court in Newport, R.I.

Founded two decades ago after the sudden passing of one of Newport's staunchest supporters of historic sailboats, the event has served as a celebration of antique wood and aluminum yachts while evolving to also embrace modern yachts built in the spirit of the classics. This year, two new cohorts will be added to the congregation, Newport's nascent, but rapidly growing, class of Herreshoff H-class sloops and vintage PHRF-rated fiberglass boats, which will participate in a single race on Saturday.

"While fiberglass construction isn't traditionally associated with classic yachting, there are plenty of classic fiberglass yachts on Narragansett Bay and in surrounding areas that more than fit the spirit of the event," says Peter McClennen, the event chair and a classic yacht enthusiast who will race his R-class yacht GAMECOCK in the regatta. "We're excited for any PHRF-rated yacht built prior to 1990 to participate in a navigator-course race on Saturday and then join us for the party that evening. Old wooden yachts are a dwindling resource, so we want to be as welcoming as we can."

The Robert H. Tiedemann Classics Regatta was first run in 2007. Tiedemann, who passed away in 2006, is remembered for his historic contribution to the preservation of classic yachting and promotion of the 12 Metre Class. The regatta is open to any boat with a Classics Rating Formula certificate, along with S and H12 Class one-design boats and fiberglass yachts built prior to 1990.

While the first H Class boats were launched in 1914, the class is a new addition to Narragansett Bay, at least in its current form. The fleet is composed exclusively of women owners who race each Tuesday night through the summer. However, the Tiedemann Regatta is open to any boat and skipper in the H12 Class family, which includes a few variations on Captain Nathanael Herreshoff's original design.

"Being invited to race in the Tiedemann Regatta is a tremendous honor for our H12 fleet," says Elizabeth Kahane, fleet captain for the Newport H12 Women's Fleet. "When Peter first called us with the invitation, I was absolutely thrilled. What makes it especially meaningful is that the invitation recognizes not only the H12 itself as a historic class, but also the enthusiasm and commitment the women in our fleet have brought to growing the class on Narragansett Bay."

The Newport H12 Women's Fleet is about to start its third summer of racing on Narragansett Bay, says Kahane. What started at the Newport Classic Yacht Regatta in 2024, with two owned boats and three borrowed boats, has blossomed into a vibrant class of 12 owner-sailed boats. The H12s may be the smallest boats participating in the Tiedemann Regatta, but they plan to make their presence known.

"We plan to show up in force—with a strong sense of camaraderie, sportsmanship, and joy for being on the water together," says Kahane. "It also feels especially meaningful to participate this year under the leadership of New York Yacht Club's first female commodore, Clare Harrington. Knowing that Commodore Harrington herself owned and sailed an H12 for more than 30 years makes the invitation feel particularly special."

Registration for the 2026 Robert H. Tiedemann Classics Regatta is open through Wednesday, June 17. The regatta will be sailed on Saturday, June 27, and Sunday, June 28. Any boat with a CRF certificate, that is a member of the H12 or S class one-design fleets or holding a Narragansett Bay PHRF certificate and built prior to 1990 is eligible to enter.