The Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce and the Gloucester Schooner Festival Committee have placed a renewed focus on the next generation of sailors for this year’s 28th edition of the Gloucester Schooner Festival on Labor Day weekend, August 31 ‘ September 2. The Festival planning committee has arranged for up to 20 Cape Ann area teens (ages 12 to 18, first come, first served) to ride aboard participating schooners during the Parade of Sail and the Mayor’s Race for the Esperanto Cup, on Sunday, September 2. Anyone interested should contact the Chamber immediately at 978-283-1601, to reserve your spot.

Additionally, the entire proceeds from one of the two raffles being run this year by the Schooner Festival Committee, the ‘Summer Sailing Scholarships Raffle’, will be shared between the Gloucester High School Sailing Team and the Gloucester Museum School. Three raffle winners will each receive a full season of sailing instruction for a child (age 8-17) at either the Annisquam Yacht Club, the Eastern Point Yacht Club, or the Sandy Bay Yacht Club during the 2013 summer season.

The second raffle, in support of the Gloucester Schooner Festival and its programs, offers a total of eight prizes, including the grand prize of a two-hour private cruise for 35 aboard the Schooner Ardelle. The cost for each raffle is $10 per ticket and $25 for 3. Tickets are available now at the Chamber of Commerce, from any Schooner Festival Committee member, and at Festival Events during Labor Day weekend. Winning tickets will be drawn on Sunday, September 2, at the conclusion of the Gloucester Schooner Festival.

For more information about the 28th annual Gloucester Schooner Festival, visit or contact Tim Burton at tim@capeannchamber.com.