The Robert H. Tiedemann Classics Regatta will expand its fleet for its 2026 edition, adding two new cohorts to the longtime celebration of classic yachting set for June 27 and 28 at the New York Yacht Club Harbour Court.
This year, Newport’s rapidly growing class of Herreshoff H-class sloops and vintage PHRF-rated fiberglass boats will join the regatta, participating in a single race on Saturday.
Founded in 2007 after the sudden passing of Robert H. Tiedemann, one of Newport’s staunchest supporters of historic sailboats, the event celebrates antique wood and aluminum yachts while evolving to embrace modern yachts built in the spirit of the classics. Tiedemann, who died in 2006, is remembered for his contributions to the preservation of classic yachting and promotion of the 12 Metre Class.
“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,” said 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.”
While the first H-class boats were launched in 1914, the class is a new addition to Narragansett Bay in its current form. The Newport H12 Women’s Fleet is composed exclusively of women owners who race each Tuesday night through the summer. The Tiedemann Regatta is open to any boat and skipper in the H12 class family, which includes variations on Captain Nathanael Herreshoff’s original design.
“Being invited to race in the Tiedemann Regatta is a tremendous honor for our H12 fleet,” said 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 fleet is about to start its third summer of racing on Narragansett Bay, Kahane said. What started at the Newport Classic Yacht Regatta in 2024 with two owned boats and three borrowed boats has grown into a class of 12 owner-sailed boats. Though the H12s will be the smallest boats in the regatta, Kahane said 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,” Kahane said. “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 regatta is open through Wednesday, June 17. Any boat with a Classics Rating Formula certificate, 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.
