Teams of big racing yachts will have the chance to pit themselves against each other at the forthcoming invitational regatta in Newport Rhode Island.

The First Team Real Estate Invitational Regatta, run by Newport Harbour (NHYC) and Balboa (BYC) Yacht Clubs, will take place over three days from May 19-22 and will feature round-the buoys racing close to the shore. Proceeds from the event will benefit Hoag Heart and Vascular Institute.

Early indications show that as many as 20 entries area expected including the likes of Roy Disney’s maxZ86 Pyewacket, Neil Barth’s Volvo 60, Randall Pittman’s Genuine Risk, Doug Baker’s Andrews 80 maxi sled, and a selection of Transpac 52s. Doug Baker – owner of an 80ft Maxi sled said he hasn’t had many opportunities to race Magnitude 80 around buoys. “We did some in Mexico [after a distance race there],” he said. “Buoy racing is fun, and they’re going to have a good fleet. It’s getting better on the West Coast.”

For more information go to: www.firstteamregatta.com or e-mail Jen Lancaster at racing@nhyc.org.

Early entries

America’s Challenge (Volvo 60), Neil Barth, Newport Beach

Bolt (Nelson/Marek 55), Craig Reynolds, Newport Beach

Genuine Risk (Dubois 90), Randall Pittman, San Diego

Grand Illusion (Santa Cruz 70), Ed McDowell, Lahaina, H.I

Magnitude 80 (Andrews 80), Doug Baker, Long Beach, Calif

Margaritaville (Andrews 52), Jay Steinbeck, Los Angeles

Pyewacket (Reichel/Pugh maxZ86), Roy E. Disney, Los Angeles

Scout Spirit (Reichel/Pugh 77), David Janes, Newport Sea Base Syndicate, Newport Beach

Stark Raving Mad (J/145), Jim Madden, Newport Beach

Taxi Dancer (Mull 68), Paul Sharp, Newport Beach.

Vicki (Andrews 68), Al and Vicki Schultz, Long Beach, Calif.