WELCOME TO THE BUCCANEER 18 CLASS ASSOCIATION

SMSA Small Boat Fall Invitational - Buccaneer 18 Class Association

REGATTA ANNOUNCEMENT

SMSA Small Boat Fall Invitational

September 26th & 27th • Solomons, Maryland

"Tune up on BNAC championship waters the weekend prior to the big event! Get five Buccaneers on the line for our own dedicated One-Design start."

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Pre-BNAC Tune-Up Opportunity

Southern Maryland Sailing Association (SMSA) is hosting a Small Boat Fall Invitational on September 26th and 27th—the weekend immediately preceding the Buccaneer North American Championship (BNAC) in Solomons, MD.

This regatta provides an unbeatable opportunity to practice starting, gauge local wind shifts, and refine your boat tuning on the exact racecourse waters of the Patuxent River prior to BNAC.

Dedicated B18 Class Start

If at least 5 Buccaneers register, SMSA will grant us our very own dedicated One-Design class start on the course!

One-Design Racing

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On-Site Yard Storage

SMSA will do their best to make space for boats that sail in the Fall Invitational to remain in the yard through BNAC week—eliminating trailer haul hassle!

Hassle-Free Logistics

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Housing & Host Help

Traveling in from out of town? If you need housing for the Invitational, BNAC, or the week in between, SMSA organizers are happy to help find a local host.

Sailing Community Hospitality

Ready to Join the Fleet?

Registration and the official Notice of Race (NOR) for the Small Boat Fall Invitational are hosted online via Clubspot. Secure your spot on the starting line today!

Regatta Announcement

2026 Macalpine-Downie Gibbs Regatta

Sunday, August 30, 2026 • Kenosha Yacht Club

"Join us on Lake Michigan for a premier single-day event with 3 to 4 races, great competition, and the traditional Buccaneer after-race party!"

Location

Kenosha Yacht Club

Lake Michigan (1/2 mi NE of Port of Kenosha)

Entry Fee

$20 / Boat

Includes Launching, Race Fees & After-Race Party

Race Committee

Jerry Ruffolo

PRO / Race Management Volunteer

Event Schedule (Sunday, Aug 30)

08:30 - 09:30 Registration & Launching
09:30 Skippers Meeting
10:25 Race 1 Warning Gun
15:00 No Race Starts After This Time
After Racing Hosted Party & Awards Presentation

Regatta Highlights

The 2026 MDG Regatta features a single-day format aimed at completing 3 to 4 races on Lake Michigan. The regatta is open to all Buccaneer 18 dinghies and governed by US Sailing RRS.

Perpetual Trophy: The top-finishing Buccaneer boat will be awarded the prestigious MacAlpine-Downie/Gibbs Cup.

Download Notice of Race (NOR) PDF

🏴‍☠️ Plunder the Chesapeake: BNAC 2026 Registration is Now Open! 🏴‍☠️

BNAC 2026: Solomons Island, Maryland

Join the 55th Buccaneer 18 North American Championship in Solomons, MD. Early interest is surging—don't miss your chance to be part of the flee

Event Details

Where the Patuxent River meets the Chesapeake Bay, Solomons blends coastal beauty with rich maritime history and a warm, welcoming community. Its riverwalk, waterfront views, and classic Chesapeake charm make it one of the Bucc Class's favorite venues.

Dates: October 1–4, 2026
Racing: Three days of racing on the Patuxent River, hosted by SMSA, between the Governor Thomas Johnson Bridge and the river's mouth.

Don't wait—sign up today and take advantage of the early registration discount that ends at midnight on July 31st!!

More updates will be posted as they become available.

BCA OFFICIAL

Authorized BCA Partner

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Sail Number 5188

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Gear ships directly to your crew's home port.

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Owned and operated by a veteran Buccaneer sailor who understands the class, the elements, and what actually holds up to marine spray!

Why I prefer the Buccaneer

Of all the boats I’ve sailed, the Buccaneer represents the best and most sensible design which is suitable for both day sailing and racing. While not a beginner’s boat, it is forgiving enough so that one quickly becomes comfortable with it. At the same time, it is a good enough performer so one doesn’t tire of it.
Harry Sindle

The Buccaneer is fun and fast. This simple sloop is a blast to sail and easy to maintain. The Buccaneer Class is friendly and family oriented.

KEY FEATURES

Great Class for daysailing or competitive racing
Fast planing hull design
Sloop rig, roller furling jib
Integral spinnaker launch tube

Designed in 1966 by Rod Macalpine-Downie and Dick Gibbs, the Buccaneer incorporates classic elements that have made this racing dinghy a consistent performer for more than 50 years.