Fore Points Marina, 1 Marina Way, is a Private Marina That Caters to MEGA Yachts from All Over Everywhere. Once Again This Year the Popular Bar/Food Truck Area Adjacent to the Marina is Shut Down.
The Atlantic Cup Logo for 2024.
The Only Entry From the US This Year is by Mike Hennessy of Hawaii. of the Scowling Dragon Seen Above.
Public access to the redevelopment of the former Portland Yacht Services was a hallmark of the project by Portland Foreside Development. But apparently that public access does not extend to the waterfront for special events – like the one that is coming up in early June 2024 and could be a great celebration of Maine’s maritime history.
Early June is when the third leg of the 7th Atlantic Cup races will be held in Portland. Much of the racing will occur off the Eastern Promenade. Following that according to Hugh Piggin, race director, the super yachts will be docked at the Fore Points Marina for the full week they are in town.. “Fans are invited to come down and check out the boats between June 3rd and June 6th,” wrote Piggin in a press release.
” I didn’t get my invitation,” said this blogger. Did you? They are probably stuck in the slow mail. That’s why they haven’t arrived yet.”
According to Casey Prentice, co-owner of the Portland Foreside Development with Kevin Costello, fans are not invited to come down to the excslusive Marina after all. The most prominent reason for that is the safety of the Marina members’ boats. Those yachts will have to be lccked-up for their safety said Prentice. in an email to this blogger. He also emailed this blogger that the Atlantic Cup is excited about the visibility of the races from the Eastern Promenade. “Where was that? Say again.”
This year’s race begins in Charleston on Saturday, May 25th. The second leg of the race is to Newport, Rhode Island before arriving in Portland in early June. The Cup has nine teams competing for the winner’s Cup. Six of the teams are from France, one from Germany, one from Italy, The lone US entry is that of Michael Hennessey of Hawaii, of “Scowling Dragon.”
In previous years, the Atlantic Cup super racing yachts have been docked at the Maine Wharf in between races. The Wharf granted plenty of access to boat crews as well as to the viewing public wanting a close up look at the yachts. And maybe, just mabe, an opportunty to visit with one of these fascinating captains would emerge. The Maine Wharf also offers plenty of other recreational, restaurant and cultural opportunities for all involved – that is unlike the isolated and unprotected waters in which Fore Points Marina is situated on the east end of the Portland waterfront.
Hugh Piggin, race director, has not yet responded to an email seeking clarification on the discripancy between Fore Points Marina and the Atlantic Cup 2024. .Eric Jenkins, dock master currently serving as manager, at Fore Points Marina did not return several telephone calls by this blogger to clarify the discrepancy between the two organizations, either.
For background information on past Atlantic Cups at the Maine Wharf, please visit posts herein dated June 6, 8, 9, 11, 2016 and June 10. 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4 and 3, 2018.