A cherished Nantucket tradition, the Opera House Cup Regatta is held each August and serves as the grand finale of Nantucket Race Week.
Founded as the first all-wooden, single-hulled classic yacht regatta on the East Coast, the Opera House Cup has grown into one of the world’s most celebrated classic yacht races. Each summer, legendary yachts gather on Nantucket Sound to sail in steady seabreezes, experience the Island’s renowned hospitality, and compete in one of sailing’s great spectacles.
Past participants have included America’s Cup winners Intrepid, Weatherly, and Columbia, alongside iconic yachts such as Ticonderoga, Wild Horses, Blackwatch, Brilliant, and When and If. From towering schooners to Wianno Seniors and Herreshoff-designed Alerions, the fleet reflects extraordinary depth in classic yacht design and craftsmanship.
A few years ago, we introduced a new division to the regatta. The Invitational Division is open to boats with hulls made from materials other than wood which, in the eyes of the Opera House Committee, have special qualities that add to the spectacle of the event. For the 2026 Opera House Regatta, we are introducing a new perpetual trophy for the winner of the Invitational Division: The Lighthouse Trophy.
Owners wishing to enter their boats in the Invitational Division are encouraged to contact the Organizing Authority with a description and photo of the boat. Inquiries should be sent to info@nantucketraceweek.org.
The trophy is inspired by Nantucket’s iconic Great Point Lighthouse – a historic navigational fixture and always a feature on the Opera House Cup racecourse. Owners of non-wood-hull boats which are unique, historic, replicas or just beautiful designs are encouraged to submit an entry.
The Opera House Cup is part of the CYOA Classic Yacht Series and is scored under the CRF rating system. The Regatta and Awards Party benefit Nantucket Community Sailing, supporting youth and community sailing programs on Nantucket.
Schedule of Events
Saturday, August 15
- 1200 – Registrations Close
- 1730 – Classic Yacht Exhibition
- 1800 – OHC & Gifford Bowl Scratch Entry List Posted
Sunday, August 16
- 0830 – Course, Starting and Finishing Areas Posted
- 0900 – Parade of Yachts & Rainbow Parade at Brant Point
- 1050 – Warning Signal for 1100 Base Start
- 1800 – Opera House Cup & Gifford Bowl Awards Party at Jetties Beach
The Opera House Cup Regatta is open to wood-hulled and non-wood-hulled boats with a minimum LOA of 24 feet. Eligibility of non-wood-hulled boats (or boats not meeting the Opera House Cup sail and equipment limitations) is at the discretion of the Organizing Authority (OA).
In determining a boat’s eligibility, the OA will consider a boat’s special qualities, which may include: A boat’s unique history, classic design, replicas and other characteristics that add to the spectacle of the event.
A current, valid CRF 2026 non-spinnaker rating is required for each boat to be eligible for prizes.
Wood-hulled boats will compete for the Opera House Cup. Boats in the Invitational Division will compete for the Lighthouse Trophy.
Entries close at 1200 on Saturday August 15, 2026.
Registration & Fees
Registration Fee: $500 ($200 of the entry fee is a tax-deductible charitable
contribution to NCS.)
A late registration fee will be imposed for entries received after June 15, 2026.
To register for the regatta, visit Yacht Scoring HERE.
Nantucket Regatta & The Opera House Cup
We are pleased to offer a discounted fee for boats wishing to enjoy three consecutive days of racing by registering for both the Nantucket Regatta and the Opera House Cup. Boats which are eligible to race in the Opera House Cup Regatta may enter in both
events, and the fee for all three days is $825.
Race Center
Registration, official documents, notice board, and results are managed on YachtScoring.
Event Leadership
Event Chair
Phil Smith
Opera House Cup Committee
Herbert “Buzz” Goodall
Kyle Dufur
Harvey Jones
Harry Rein
Carolyn Grant Zarrella
Signal Boat
Serena
Awards & Celebration
Race day concludes at the Opera House Cup & Gifford Bowl Awards Party at Jetties Beach — an evening of camaraderie, celebration, music, and the presentation of the trophies. Often called “the party of the season,” the event is open to competitors, sponsors, and invited guests.
