Rockland — The 2012 Rockland Community Sailing Short Ships Rowing Regatta will return to Rockland on Saturday, Sept. 15. The regatta is a fun and friendly three-mile inner harbor race open to all recreational and racing rowers and paddlers. Gigs, fixed and sliding seat, single and multiple oars, kayaks, canoes and paddleboards are welcome.

The Short Ships Regatta starts at The Apprenticeshop pier, 643 Main St. in Rockland. Participants row or paddle to the Rockland lighthouse, continue along the inside of the breakwater, and return to the Apprenticeshop. The public is invited to watch the race and enjoy the festivities.

Registration is from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at the Apprenticeshop’s Bosun’s Locker (head of the pier.) The registration fee is $15 in advance or $20 the day of the race. The skippers’ meeting is at 9 a.m., and the race starts at 9:30 a.m. The race will be followed by casual, healthy refreshments and lighthearted awards.

For more information contact The Apprenticeshop at 594-1800 or visit www.apprenticeshop.org.

Rockland Community Sailing is a program of the Apprenticeshop, an educational nonprofit 501(c)(3) located on the waterfront in Rockland’s North End. The mission is to inspire personal growth through craftsmanship, community and traditions of the sea. The Apprenticeshop is a diverse community of people — students, mariners, staff, trustees, alumni and supporters — who participate in sailing and boatbuilding programs throughout the year.

Courier Publications news staff can be reached by phone at 207-594-4401 or by email at news@courierpublicationsllc.com.