The MTCA sails out of the historic and scenic Marblehead Harbor. The Town Class has the distinction of being the oldest continuously raced fleet in Marblehead. The group is made up of sailors of all ages and backgrounds. We have sailors who "race to sail" and those that "sail to race". All enjoy the tactile experience of sailing an
The MTCA sails out of the historic and scenic Marblehead Harbor. The Town Class has the distinction of being the oldest continuously raced fleet in Marblehead. The group is made up of sailors of all ages and backgrounds. We have sailors who "race to sail" and those that "sail to race". All enjoy the tactile experience of sailing and racing this classic lapstrake dory. In 2016 we celebrated 80 years of Town Class Racing. The MTCA is one of three active Town Class fleets. The other fleets are located in Nahant, MA and Touisett, RI. If you are interested in joining a great group filled with great people look no farther than the MTCA. We have some sailors who have sailed the boat for over 50 years and others who are still learning the nuances of the boat.
Town class sailboats are 16 1/2 ft long (5.0 m) lap strake one-design dories, constructed in either wood or fiberglass. The Town Class was designed as an affordable boat for the townspeople, hence its name.
The first Town Class sailboat was designed and built (in wood only) in 1932 by Marcus C. Lowell in Amesbury, Massachusetts. Marcus'
Town class sailboats are 16 1/2 ft long (5.0 m) lap strake one-design dories, constructed in either wood or fiberglass. The Town Class was designed as an affordable boat for the townspeople, hence its name.
The first Town Class sailboat was designed and built (in wood only) in 1932 by Marcus C. Lowell in Amesbury, Massachusetts. Marcus' son, Percival M. "Pert" Lowell, later took over the business and relocated to Newbury Massachusetts. In 1936, the Town Class sailboat was adopted as a one-design class boat, and quickly became a popular racing boat from Maine to Florida. In the late 1960s, fiberglass models became available. Currently, more than two thousand wood and fiberglass "Townies" have been built to date. The Pert Lowell Company, which is now operated by "Pert" Lowell's son-in-law, Ralph Johnson, continues to construct these boats today.
The National Town Class Association was formed in 1962, also marking the first year of the Town Class National Regatta (an annual two-day racing event) which took place in Nahant, Massachusetts. The Town Class Nationals have also been held in Marblehead, Wakefield, Sharon, and Newburyport, Massachusetts; as well as Touisett Point, Rhode Island and Spofford Lake, New Hampshire.
The MTCA racing season starts in June and runs thru September. We have one of the best racing schedules amongst local One Design Fleets. You can choose to participate in our Thursday Twilight Series, our Sunday Morning Series, our MRA (Marblehead Racing Association) Saturday Races, Marblehead Race Week (National Offshore One Design "N
The MTCA racing season starts in June and runs thru September. We have one of the best racing schedules amongst local One Design Fleets. You can choose to participate in our Thursday Twilight Series, our Sunday Morning Series, our MRA (Marblehead Racing Association) Saturday Races, Marblehead Race Week (National Offshore One Design "NOOD") Regatta, the annual Town Class Nationals Regatta, and a Fall Saturday and Twilight series. Usually every week during the season offers at least 3 days of competitive One Desing racing.