Regattas are the sailors’ sports ‘games’ where we put our skills to the test. These are what working hard at practice is all about. We compete in local, regional, national, and occasionally international levels for both Opti and High School events on our lake.
You will find helpful information on this page to navigate your first regatta season along with your sailor.
Opti Sailors
Opti sailors may still need a great deal of help preparing for regattas. Please note that getting your sailor and their boat/equipment to the regatta is not the responsibility of the coach or club. We will, however, be happy to offer assistance and answer questions about any step along the way.
Rigging – sail ties – 2 types, air bags, mast clamp, bow line, praddle
Personal Equipment – boots, gloves, wet suit, life jacket, sunglasses, hat, sailing watch
What to expect at Opti Regattas
Registration:
Registration must be completed by the attending sailor/parent either online or in person. Each host may have a different registration fee/requirement. Sometimes fees are accepted in person only on the day of the event, while some fees are paid online at the time of registration.
Multi-day Events:
Some large scale events may run multiple days and include clinics as well as several days of racing. In those cases, you may need to secure hotel lodgings. Remember that each day will have a required Starting Time and a Check In time for your sailor to be present or potentially forfeit for the day; so planning out travel time between your hotel and event is important. We strongly recommend a parent remaining on-site with their sailor throughout the day at every event. This is important for any minor or major emergencies but also for any inclement weather that may delay or cancel racing.
Typically a cold breakfast and lunch is provided for the sailors at events, with a possibility of a paid dinner at the end of the day – but not always! Check your NOR and the regatta Host for specifics.
Sailors Meetings: At the start of each day, sailors will Check In with their name and sail number (the unique number written on their boat’s sail) then have some time to grab breakfast/lunch before attending the Sailors Meeting. This is where the event coaches will explain the course, number of races, racing area, and other need to know information for the day.
Once the sailors meeting is concluded, each sailor must rig their boat and prepare to launch when called. Sailors are in charge of rigging/derigging their own boat and collecting their things at the start/end of each day.
420 & Laser Sailors
420s – Boats are provided by the event host. Team registration is done by the Coach. Travel plans should be discussed with parents, sailors, and the coach. In the event of multi-day events, parent chaperones are required. Teams representing their high school will wear pinnies – which goes over their lifejackets during competitions – which must be returned to the Coach at the end of each day.
This page is a current work in progress – more information will be added.amended.