• AROUND THE SAILING WORLD
  • BOAT OF THE YEAR
  • Email Newsletters
  • America’s Cup
  • St. Petersburg
  • Caribbean Championship
  • Boating Safety

Sailing World logo

  • Regatta Series

St. Pete To Shine Again

  • By Dave Reed
  • February 14, 2024

2022 Star Class Vintage Gold Cup

The St. Petersburg Yacht Club and the western shore of Florida’s Tampa Bay will be the epicenter of sailboat racing this weekend when more than 240 teams across 13 one-design classes and five handicap-racing fleets get races started for the first event of the national Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta Series in St. Petersburg . Now well into its third decade, the regatta will also mark 10 years with its title sponsor.

The Sunshine City’s motto is that St. Pete is “Always in Season,” and that is certainly the enticement for many teams traveling in from colder climes with the promise of warm breezes, stiff competition and a nightlife that’s never been more vibrant.

One such northerner is David Mierzwa, of Lake Placid, New York, who on Tuesday was behind the wheel and racing to get south of a big storm burying the mid-Atlantic and Northeast in snow and ice. Behind him was bitter cold, but ahead of him was warmth and the anticipation of his first Melges 24 Midwinter Championship at the regatta.

As a newbie to the demanding Melges 24, Mierzwa says his primary goal is to “stay out of everybody’s way,” but ultimately, he and his teammates are on a mission to learn the nuances of this high-performance keelboat from his peers.

“We’re going so we can hunt for tips, tricks and whatever makes us better,” Mierzwa says. “It’s about having the opportunity to do an event of this caliber with likeminded people, because while sailing is the goal, being surrounded by others that do the same sport is sometimes better than the sport itself.”

As the Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta in St. Petersburg will be his team’s first major event, he recognizes they don’t have a high enough racing pedigree to vie for the Midwinter Championship title—yet. “The only way we can get to that point is to go out there and race,” he says.

And race they will, from early Friday morning through late Sunday, alongside several other one-design classes that are the regulars of this February classic, including the S2 7.9s and the Hobie 33s , both of which will also be vying for their midwinter championship titles. 

2022 Star Class Vintage Gold Cup

The S2s have the returning champions of Tom and Mary Bryant’s “Team Matros” from Holland, Michigan, which won seven of eight races in 2023 to earn their berth at the Helly Hansen Sailing World Caribbean Championship last October. At each of the series’ five events one team is selected to compete in the British Virgin Islands for the overall season title.

The Hobie 33s also have their champions returning to defend— Craig and Deborah Wilusz’s “Hoof Hearted”—but this year there’s a new and unknown challenger from Waxhaw, North Carolina, and it’s a boat with a nefarious name: “Bad Bunny.” Its new owner, Sean Rhone, says he’s looking forward to meeting and racing with other Hobie 33 owners for the first time and “taking a peek under their hoods.”

Rhone has been primarily racing his Hobie 33 in singlehanded events and low-key races on North Carolina’s Lake Norman, and like Mierzwa, he’s not sure how well he’ll fare, especially with a five-person team that’s been assembled by way of social media message boards, and whom he’s never met.

“It’s cold in Charlotte,” Rhone says, “and I’m getting tired of the cold weather, so when I saw that the fleet was having its midwinters in St. Petersburg, I thought it would be nice to go and race against some other Hobie 33s for once.”

Contender

Mierzwa and Rhone may pass each other on an interstate somewhere on the way to St. Pete, along with a sizable Canadian contingent of Contender dinghy sailors making their annual pilgrimage from across the northern border. The 16-foot Contender, which its loyalists claim to be “The Sexiest Singlehander in the World ” was introduced in 1969 and continues to be popular internationally, as well as in Tampa thanks to local sailmaker Ethan Bixby. Bixby, a champion of many classes, continues to rally the troops to the Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta and the fleet has doubled for this year’s gathering. Bixby, who won all races last year, will of course be among the 11 trapezing sailors.

Sharing the same racecourse will be eight teams racing the doublehanded Windmill class, which is new to the regatta lineup, but another cult classic sparked in the 1950s. Class measurer Pat Huntley, of Erie, Pennsylvania, is now a decade into Windmill racing, and says he’s eager to enjoy some fast sailing in St. Pete and good times with his fellow Windmillers. “It’s such a fun and cool group,” Huntley says. “And the Windmill is such a bad-ass skinny and fast boat. It can handle the chop easily and is really fast.” 

Five teams racing in the 20-foot Flying Dutchman class (first built in 1951) will hail from California to Tennessee and hosted by local FD ace, Lin Robson, the 2023 class winner. The doublehanded bonanza, however, will be the Melges 15 class, which will feature an impressive 31 teams, nearly double from 2023. The new one-design class has exploded in popularity across the country since its introduction three years ago, and midwinter regattas elsewhere in Florida have maxed out at nearly 100 boats.

Melges 15 class

Among the Melges 15 ranks in St. Petersburg will be New York’s Iris Vogel, who has traditionally raced the regatta with her larger one-design keelboats over the years (a Soverel 33 and a J/88, both named “Deviation”). Vogel is now enjoying the challenge of big-fleet racing and exhilarating downwind sailing.

Racing with her partner, Tim Longo, Vogel helms and Longo handles the front of the boat, and over the past year they’ve been working their way up the scoreboard, but have a long way to go to the top. “This is a totally new thing to sail in such a big fleet,” Vogel says. “J/88 events typically get a dozen boats at best, and the racing is much slower paced. The tactics are completely different and boats are fast downwind so it’s a ton of fun, but we are still learning a different style of racing. Having the smaller fleet [at the Helly Hansen Regatta] will give us a chance to work on our boatspeed.”

While the out-of-town armada is significant, local sailors look forward to the regatta every year, especially Tampa Bay’s PHRF sailors who’ve made the event a key fixture in their Suncoast Boat of the Year Series. For these fleets, which now comprise the regatta’s largest group with 38 entries across four divisions (Spinnaker, Non-Spinnaker, Racer-Cruiser and Cruising) organizers have added two days of long-course racing over the weekend. Depending on the wind strength and direction of the day, the race committee will plot a daylong course to test each team’s navigational and sailing skills, as well as their perseverance and desire to be first to the dock and first to the yacht club bar.

sailboat racing tampa bay

Local sailor Tim Landt, who has been an active sailor on the Tampa Bay waterfront for decades, is a registered competitor in the Cruising division in his new-to-him Nightwind 35, “Charisma.” He’s excited to see the regatta’s blossoming distance-race fleet and says the local growth and interest in racing older-generation yachts is good for the sport and for the Tampa Bay racing scene.

But it’s not all classic plastics in the distance fleet. In the Racer-Cruiser division will be the sparkling new Neo 43, owned by Ken Mungan of nearby Isles Yacht Club in Punta Gorda, Florida. Mungan purchased his sleek Italian-built 43-footer in 2022 with big plans to take on a few of the sport’s marque distance races, and local events like the Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta offer he and his team an opportunity to learn the boat in a racing environment.

sailboat racing tampa bay

“When I turned 40 I needed a hobby and took up sailing,” Munger says. “I’m always trying new things and got into racing 2019. I did the Melges 24 for a while, but the Neo, because it’s a shallow-draft boat, allows me to do more local long-distance racing and we’re learning a lot.”

For this weekend’s regatta, Munger has more crew lined up than there are roles on the boat, but that’s fine with him. “We’re going to be overloaded, and I am anticipating a level of skill and organization that we don’t quite have yet,” he admits. “We’ll have two coaches and a new set of racing jibs that will be used for the first time, so it will be fun, and I’m looking forward to it.”

Trimaran in St. Pete

While the long-course racers are making their way around the bay, closer to shore, will be the multihulls: the high-tech A Class Catamarans , which have two divisions (Classic and Foiling) totaling 33 competitors, and the Weta Trimarans , with a smaller contingent from years past, return with nine boats, and among them is two-time defending champion and local Pete Merrifield looking for a three-peat.

David Starck and crew

         The iconic Lightning Class is one of the regatta’s largest one-design fleets, with 25 boats, five of which will be raced by members of the Starck family with a few world champions among them. Hall of Famer, Augie Diaz, of Miami, and Ched Proctor, of Southport, Connecticut, both world champions as well, always add to the high level of racing and camaradarie Lightning sailors enjoy all winter. The Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta in St. Petersburg is a key warm-up event for the Lightning class’s hotly-contested two-regatta Southern Circuit with March events in St. Pete and Miami.

J/24 fleet

Sharing one racing circle immediately off the city front will be the 29-boat J/70 fleet and a reemergent J/24 fleet, both of which will no doubt provide quality racing for both professional and amateur sailors. The same will be true for the ever-competitive ORC fleet, with 11 entries, which will be racing further south. Bill and Jackie Baxter’s J/111 “Fireball,” from Stamford, Connecticut, which has won all of its events this winter will return to defend its 2023 ORC title, which it earned with ease, winning seven of eight races.

  • More: Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta Series , Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta Series St. Petersburg
  • More Regatta Series

Bill Widnall

Widnall Prize Announced for Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta at Marblehead Race Week

Brian Kaczor's Team Erica

Kaczor’s Tartan 10 Erica Wins Regatta Series Chicago

Beneteau 36.7 on Lake Michigan

Distance Racers Play Wind Roulette at Regatta Series Chicago

J/88 in Chicago

Thrilling Big-Breeze Start to Regatta Series in Chicago

sailboat racing tampa bay

Black Foils Pad Season Lead with SailGP New York Win

Bill Widnall

Reproofing May Be Required

sailboat racing tampa bay

Sagamore Ridealong in Chicago

Sailing World logo

  • Digital Edition
  • Customer Service
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cruising World
  • Sailing World
  • Salt Water Sportsman
  • Sport Fishing
  • Wakeboarding

 St. Petersburg Sailing Association

sailboat racing tampa bay

Welcome to SPSA!

The St. Petersburg Sailing Association is a dedicated group of sailors who race and cruise throughout the year on Tampa Bay. We are a relaxed, sailing-focused, volunteer-run club with one core mission: to encourage participation in the noble art of sailing . Let’s go sailing!

Photo of a classic Bristol 32, Desiderata, sailing hard on a close reach.

We always love to welcome new members. Whether or not you own a sailboat, joining SPSA is a fun, easy way to get involved in the sailing community and get on the water.

New to racing? No problem! Not only do we host cruising events and casual sailing opportunities, we also host regular racing seminars and would love to show you the ropes.

All of our regattas, cruises, and educational seminars are included in the annual membership fee of just $55. That’s less than $3 per event!

Still have questions? Send us an email to learn more: [email protected]

ASA / American Sailing

  • Find A School
  • Certifications
  • North U Sail Trim
  • Inside Sailing with Peter Isler
  • Docking Made Easy
  • Study Quizzes
  • Bite-sized Lessons
  • Fun Quizzes
  • Sailing Challenge

Image

ST PETERSBURG, FL PERFORMANCE RACE WEEK +  REGATTA EXPERIENCE ®

Welcome to American Sailing's Performance Race Week powered by North U. This clinic includes two days of on-the-water clinics, plus three days of racing at the Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta. Seasoned coaches will be onboard your J/70, for both training and racing, guiding you through every facet of regatta success: strategic planning, tactical positioning, starting, boat speed, trim, helming, boat handling, and more!

“Performance Race Week is about getting faster and smarter, and while a sunburn will soon fade, the memories and the lessons will last a lifetime.”

Image

Performance race week + REGATTA EXPERIENCE® ST PETE

Course overview.

North U has been turning sailors into racers and racers into winners since 1980. Whatever your level, we can raise your game. Sailboat racing is a complex endeavor: Trim, tactics, boat speed, helming, rules, sets, jibes, douses, wind shifts, current, waves, chop, weight placement, downwind angles, rig tuning, wind shadows, starting, heavy air, light air, etc. We will help you build on your strengths and improve in areas of weakness to become a better, more versatile racer.

The clinic teaches refined techniques to transform you from a racer into a winner.  Sailboat racing is a complex endeavor drawing upon a broad mix of skills. Every sailor has strengths and weaknesses in their skill set.  We’ll improve areas of weakness and build on your strengths to send you home a better, more versatile racer.  By having your coach on board we are able to focus on your particular skill set.

Image

The Coaches

North U coaches combine championship racing skills with years of coaching experience. With just four sailors plus a coach aboard each boat you’ll get close personal attention. Just to be clear: The coaches will NOT be sailing the boats. You and your team do all the sailing.

Image

The Boats - J/70

The J/70 is among the most active and competitive classes in the world. The high-performance design and full set of sail controls make the J/70 an exciting platform to learn and hone your racing skills. The deep keel, full-size double spreader rig, and large asymmetric spinnaker provide an exhilarating experience while still remaining stable and controllable. These are fun boats and they make for an excellent platform to help you master the art of racing.

Image

The Regatta

The Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta in St Petersburg is one of the premiere events on the winter racing calendar. Among the 100s of boats, we will be racing one-design in the J/70 fleet with upwards of 30 boats competing. Your coach will be on board providing training in real-time. We'll also have our video team on the water compiling footage for each day’s debrief.

Image

Renowned for its glorious weather, St. Pete is an extraordinary destination for sailing enthusiasts. The city's location offers access to the calm, azure waters of Tampa Bay and the expansive Gulf of Mexico, each providing different sailing experiences to meet a variety of skill levels. The region is known for its steady sea breezes, predictable weather patterns, and its mix of tranquil bays and challenging open ocean routes. St. Pete's marinas are well-equipped and plentiful, and the city boasts a lively sailing community. Adding to this is the area's rich marine biodiversity, with opportunities to see dolphins, manatees, and a multitude of bird species. In addition, St. Pete has a thriving waterfront culture, with sailing schools, regattas, and yacht clubs that organize races and social events. The combination of consistent wind, warm sunshine, and spectacular marine and coastal beauty make St. Petersburg an outstanding sailing location.

Image

THE SAILING VENUE

The clinic takes place at the St. Pete Sailing Center , one of the most active sailing facilities in the United States. Operated by the St. Petersburg Yacht Club, the Center is host to numerous regional and national regattas, sailing classes, adaptive sailing, summer camps, youth racing teams, and community sailing memberships open to residents of the Tampa Bay area.

ACCOMMODATIONS

The details.

Feb 14th - 15th: Pre-Regatta Clinic

  • Morning Class Session
  • Afternoon On-the-Water training
  • Video Debrief

Feb 14th - 16th: Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta

  • Morning Pre-Brief
  • Regatta Sailing
  • Post-Race Video Debrief

What's Included

Fully equipped J/70

  • A Two Day Clinic Prior to the Regatta
  • The Three Day Regatta
  • A North U Coach On Board for both the Clinic & Regatta
  • Regatta Entry Fee
  • Daily Debriefs

What's Not Included

  • Travel & Accommodations
  • Personal Sailing Gear (bring your PFD and Racing Watch)

$2,690 - Individual Sailor ( Book Online )

$9,960 - Full Crew of 4 Sailors ( Book Online )

$8,210 - Bring Your Own Boat + Full Crew ( Book Online )

$QUOTE - Bring Your Own Boat Options ( Contact us to book )

Risk Free Registration Pay a $500/person deposit to reserve your space today and your payment will be fully refundable until November 15th, 2023.

Payment Due Dates All registrations must be paid in full by December 1st, 2023 .

Image

  • Learn To Sail
  • Mobile Apps
  • Online Courses
  • Upcoming Courses
  • Sailor Resources
  • ASA Log Book
  • Bite Sized Lessons
  • Knots Made Easy
  • Catamaran Challenge
  • Sailing Vacations
  • Sailing Cruises
  • Charter Resources
  • International Proficiency Certificate
  • Find A Charter
  • All Articles
  • Sailing Tips
  • Sailing Terms
  • Destinations
  • Environmental
  • Initiatives
  • Instructor Resources
  • Become An Instructor
  • Become An ASA School
  • Member / Instructor Login
  • Affiliate Login
  • Annapolis, MD May 1st – 5th, 2024
  • Austin, TX April 8th – 12th, 2024
  • Charleston, SC April 17th – 21st, 2024
  • St. Petersburg, FL February 14th – 18th, 2024
  • St Petersburg, FL March 11th – 15th, 2024
  • St. Thomas, VI February 5th – 9th, 2024
  • St. Thomas, VI March 4th – 8th, 2024
  • Seattle, WA September 18th-22nd, 2024

Tampa hosts sailing championships this week on Davis Islands

Sailing championship coming to tampa bay area this week.

Lloyd Sowers reports

TAMPA, Fla. - Tampa is hosting the 2022 2.4mR World Championship and Para Sailing International Championship Regatta this week. It’s being held at the Davis Islands Yacht Club. 

The event has drawn 41 sailors and their coaches from Finland, the US, Canada, Italy, Puerto Rico, South Korea, the UK, Australia and Guatemala.

Opening ceremonies were held Sunday, practice Monday and races begin Tuesday at 10 a.m.

READ: Get fit for free with classes 5 nights a week at Curtis Hixon Park

One of the event’s unique features is that about half the entrants are disabled. Canadian competitor Jackie Gay lost her left leg in an accident 30 years ago, but she believes she has a shot at winning the event’s masters division. 

"It’s really going to be hard," she said Monday. "There’s a really high level of sailors here, everybody’s good, everybody’s fast." 

Jeff Linton of Ruskin has no physical disability. He was the 2007 Rolex Yachtsman Of The Year, but he said he and other competitors quickly forget who’s disabled and who isn’t once the event begins.

"Everybody is on the same playing field. It doesn’t matter if you have one foot, two feet, five feet, whatever. Everyone is pretty darn even," said Linton.

sailboat racing tampa bay

Everyone’s boat is nearly the same. They are 2.4 mR, one-person, keelboats. However, they can be configured with controls that can be operated with the feet or hands. Those with disabilities have many options on how to set up their controls. 

"We have people that steer with their feet," said Gay. "I don’t, because I only have one foot."

She said once they get on the water, competitors have an even shot whether they have disabilities or not. In this regatta, the keys are the determination and skill of the sailors. 

The racing begins at 10 a.m. Tuesday off of Davis Islands. The event is scheduled to continue through Friday. They’ll run as many races as they can before the weather deteriorates later this week. 

sailboat racing tampa bay

sitelogonew

Adult Programs

A60A0694

Youth Programs

A60A3723a

Special Events

Since the 1940's.

The St. Petersburg Sailing Center has been home to novice sailors and expert racers since the early 1940's. Community memberships are available to those who live in the Tampa Bay Area.

Facebook Feed

St. Petersburg Sailing Center

🌊 Save the Date! Ocean Racing Awards 🏆 Join us on August 17th at 6 PM for the Ocean Racing Awards. RSVP here: forms.gle/U7yXcYM39ofwmxno7 . Don't miss out! ... See More See Less

  • Comments: 0

Comment on Facebook

This summer, let your kids discover the joy of sailing at the St. Pete Sailing Center. Our camps are designed for all skill levels, ensuring a fun and educational experience for everyone. Dont let this summer pass by without a little adventure! #StPeteSailingCenter #SummerCamp #SailingFun #StPeteAdventures #sailstpete

This summer, let your kids discover the joy of sailing at the St. Pete Sailing Center. Our camps are designed for all skill levels, ensuring a fun and educational experience for everyone. Don't let this summer pass by without a little adventure! #stpetesailingcenter #summercamp #sailingfun #stpeteadventures #sailstpete ... See More See Less

Looking for a unique summer experience for your kids? Our sailing camps at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club are the perfect blend of education and fun. From learning to rig boats to mastering the waves, every day is an adventure. Enroll today! #StPeteYachtClub #SummerSailing #YouthSailing #AdventureAwaits #sailstpete

Looking for a unique summer experience for your kids? Our sailing camps at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club are the perfect blend of education and fun. From learning to rig boats to mastering the waves, every day is an adventure. Enroll today! #StPeteYachtClub #summersailing #youthsailing #AdventureAwaits #sailstpete ... See More See Less

Join us at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club  for an unforgettable summer sailing camp! Perfect for young sailors ready to learn the ropes, make new friends, and have a blast on the water. Spots are filling up fast, so dont miss out! #StPeteYachtClub #SummerSailingCamp #YoungSailors #StPeteSummer #sailstpete

Join us at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club for an unforgettable summer sailing camp! Perfect for young sailors ready to learn the ropes, make new friends, and have a blast on the water. Spots are filling up fast, so don't miss out! #StPeteYachtClub #summersailingcamp #youngsailors #stpetesummer #sailstpete ... See More See Less

sailboat racing tampa bay

It's hard to believe we are already half way through summer. Time flies when you are having fun! Don't miss out on the opportunity to learn how to sail this summer. Visit www.sailstpete.org for more information. #sailstpete #spycsailing #spyc_fl ... See More See Less

Thank you to the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg for joining us on the water this summer! We are having a blast showing everyone the wonderful world of sailing. #sailstpete #spycsailing #spyc_fl

Thank you to the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg for joining us on the water this summer! We are having a blast showing everyone the wonderful world of sailing. #sailstpete #spycsailing #spyc_fl ... See More See Less

  • Comments: 2

sailboat racing tampa bay

We are incredibly proud of all of our amazing sailors. Learn how you can start your sailing journey by visiting www.sailstpete.org #spycsailing #spyc_fl #sailstpete ... See More See Less

  • Comments: 3

We are excited for his next round of lessons! 🤗⛵️

sailboat racing tampa bay

Adventures are found on the sea....learn more by visiting www.sailstpete.org #sailstpete #spycsailing ... See More See Less

Navigating life, one wave at a time.  Learn more by visiting www.sailstpete.org. #spycsailing #sailstpete #youthsailing

Navigating life, one wave at a time. Learn more by visiting www.sailstpete.org . #spycsailing #sailstpete #youthsailing ... See More See Less

O, say can you sea....thank you to all of the sailors who joined us on the water this July 4th! #sailstpete #spycsailing

O, say can you sea....thank you to all of the sailors who joined us on the water this July 4th! #sailstpete #spycsailing ... See More See Less

sailboat racing tampa bay

Every summer it is incredible to experience sailing through our Harbor Mice Students; ages 5-7. Watching the excitement and curiosity in their eyes as they learn to navigate the waters was truly a heartwarming experience. At such a young age, sailing teaches so much more than just how to handle a boat. It's about developing confidence, teamwork, and a love for the great outdoors. From tying knots to steering the tiller, every moment was a new discovery and a step towards fostering a lifelong passion for the sea. Learn more by visiting www.sailstpete.org #sailstpete #spycsailing ... See More See Less

Carter is SAILING!

John CappaHolly HolmesTiffany Weidner see Carter is a superstar....he's got this in his blood...

sailboat racing tampa bay

Photos from Warrior Sailing Program's post ... See More See Less

Instagram Feed

  •  Print This Page
  •  Text Size
  •  Scroll To Top

Tampa Sailing Squadron

  • Event Calendar
  • Apply For Membership
  • History of TSS
  • Rules & Regulations
  • Honors and Awards
  • Past Commodores
  • Memorial Garden
  • Cruising Adventures
  • Cruising Awards
  • Keelboat Racing
  • Keelboat Racing NOS & SI
  • Portsmouth Racing
  • Portsmouth Racing NOS&SI
  • Race Committees
  • RC Consortium
  • Safety Policy
  • Regatta Results
  • Women's Sailing News
  • Women's Sailing Events
  • WS Mutineer "Siren"
  • Womens Sailing Apps
  • Women's Sailing Education
  • Women's Sailing Photo Gal
  • TSS Youth Sailing
  • Racing Photos

Events  - Grid View

  • Board Meeting
  • Club Racing
  • Covered Dish
  • General Activity
  • Lighted Boat Parade
  • Member Event
  • Member Private Event
  • Membership Meeting
  • Women's Sailing
July 2024
 
  •  Print This Page
  •  Text Size
  •  Scroll To Top

sailboat racing tampa bay

Welcome to the MC Sailing Association

sailboat racing tampa bay

Upcoming Events

2024 regatta results.

sailboat racing tampa bay

sailboat racing tampa bay

“HISTORY OF THE SCOW”  Film Proposal Woody Woodruff has been sailing scows a long time and is using his talents as a film producer to make a documentary film on scows:  The Project    Donate Here

sailboat racing tampa bay

Notice of Election & Annual Membership Meeting

As part of its annual rotation, the Board seeks nominations of candidates to fill the positions of retiring members of the Board of Governors. Nominees must be current MCSA members and available to actively serve a three year term of office beginning January 1, 2025.  The elected individuals will fill the expiring term of Scott Slocum, Scott Harestad, & Natalie Sinn. When contemplating prospective nominees, consider the value of maintaining a Board balance in sailing, administrative, and leadership skill sets as well as a geographical representation of MCSA members.

The following member has accepted a nomination to fill one of the three open positions of the retiring Board members and will be placed on the ballot for a verbal vote:   The following is a list of the current Board members whose terms expire on December 31st of the year indicated:

Natalie Sinn      - Minnetonka YC, MN (2025) Dana Nelson    - Club de Voile Deux-Montagnes, CN (2025)

Kevin Neal       -  Florida (2025) Christy Will      -  Beulah YC, WI (2026) Matt Fisher       - Hoover SC, OH (2026) Sean Bradley   -  Barnegat Bay YR Assoc, NJ, (2026)- Commodore Chris Kubicek   -  Lake Beulah YC, WI (2028) - Vice Commodore Scott Harestad - Spring Lake YC, MI (2024) - Rear Commodore

The election will be held during the Annual Membership Meeting to be held at the MCSA National Championship August 21-24, Lake Geneva YC, WI.   Inquiries should be submitted to Chris Kubicek at [email protected]

© MC Sailing Association, Inc. 2024. All Rights Reserved.

sailboat racing tampa bay

Meet the Florida athletes competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics

T AMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The opening ceremony for the 2024 Summer Olympics is just weeks away and many athletes with Florida ties, including Tampa Bay locals will be representing Team USA in Paris.

From former Florida college athletes to those who train in the Sunshine State to natives, Florida has the second-most athletes competing in the Games with 85 , just behind California, with 131 athletes going to France.

As the Olympics near, here is a list of all the athletes from the Sunshine State so you can follow them on their journey to chasing gold.

Artistic Swimming

  • Daniella Ramirez (Miami)

Ramirez is a third-generation synchronized swimmer behind her grandmother, mother and sister. The 22-year-old, who is from Miami, will be heading to her first Olympic Games.

  • Joel Embiid (Montverde)

NBA star Joel Ebiid enrolled at Montverde Academy when he was 16 before he finished his high school career at The Rock School in Gainesville Florida. Emiid played one year of college basketball at the University of Kansas before being drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2014 NBA Draft.

The 30-year-old will play on the star-studded Team USA Men’s Basketball team.

  • Bam Adebayo (Miami)

NBA player Bam Adebayo is a 2020 Olympic gold medalist, who currently plays for the Miami Heat. The 26-year-old is originally from High Point, North Carolina, and played college ball at the University of Kentucky. He was drafted by the Heat in the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft.

Basketball 3×3

  • Canyon Barry (Bradenton)

Barry, the son of Lynn Norenberg Barry and Rick Barry, both former USA basketball athletes will be competing on the Men’s Basketball 3×3 Olympics Team. He attended the University of Florida, where he set a record for consecutive free throws with 42.

  • Dylan Travis (Florida Southern College alum)

Travis played his junior and senior seasons at Florida Southern College, where helped lead his team to an NCAA DII National Championship. He is originally from Omaha, Nebraska.

  • Kamren Larsen (Lives in Oldsmar)

The former USA BMX “Rookie Pro of the Year” started racing when he was 5 years old. The Bakersfield, California native currently lives in Oldsmar.

  • Felicia Stancil (Trains in Oldsmar)

The 29-year-old formerly competed in the 2020 Olympic Games. Now, the Indianapolis native will compete once again in Paris. She trains in Oldsmar.

  • Victor Montalvo (Kissimmee)

“B-boy Victor” a Kissimmee, Florida native is headed to the Olympics. The 30-year-old attended Gateway High School in Kissimmee.

  • Omari Jones (Orlando)

The 21-year-old is headed to the Olympics for boxing. The Orlando native began boxing at 8 after originally doing karate.

  • Lily Williams (Tallahassee)

Williams, who won a bronze medal in the 2020 Olympics. will return to the Summer Games. The 30-year-old is from Tallahassee and went to Northwestern University.

  • Will Coleman (Ocala)

Based of out Gordonsville, Virginia, and Ocala, Florida, Will Coleman will take the center stage at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The 41-year-old previously competed in the 2012 London Games.

  • Marcus Orlob (Loxahatchee)

Orlob was born in Dusseldorf, Germany, and spent his youth riding and training under Hubertus Schmidt. His hometown is listed as Loxahatchee, Florida. The rider has competed across Europe and debuted at the Grand Prix level when he was 21.

  • Adrienne Lyle (Wellington)

The Olympic silver medalist is from Wellington Florida and attended Washington State University. Lyle is a two-time Olympian who won silver in the 2020 Tokyo Games.

  • Laura Kraut (Wellington)

Kraut, a Wellington native will return to the Olympics after earning a gold and silver medal throughout her career. She is a three-time Olympian, who won gold in the 2008 Beijing Games and silver in 2020.

  • Kent Farrington (Wellington)

The two-time Olympian from Wellington will return to the Games this summer. The 43-year-old won a silver medal during the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro and competed in the 2020 Games.

  • Nelly Korda (Bradenton)

Bradenton’s very own will compete in the Summer Olympics after claiming gold at the 2020 Tokyo Games. The 25-year-old is the daughter of 1990 Australian Open singles champion Petr Korda and the younger sister of 5-time LPGA Tour winner Jessica Korda.

  • Xander Schauffele (Jupiter)

Born and raised in San Diego California, Schauffele now resides in Jupiter, Florida. He previously won the gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The 30-year-old was also the World Gold Championships-HSBC Champions Winner in 2019.

  • Leanne Wong (Attends the University of Florida)

The 20-year-old from Overland Park, Kansas is going for gold. She attends the University of Florida and will serve as a replacement athlete.

  • Stephen Nedoroscik (Trains in Sarasota)

The 25-year-old gymnast will compete in the Summer Games. He trains at EVO Gymnastics in Sarasota.

  • Brody Malone (Trains in Sarasota)

Malone is a one-time Olympian who competed in 2020 at the Tokyo Olympics. The 24-year-old is from Summerville, Georgia, but trains at EVO Gymnastics in Sarasota.

  • Shane Wiskus – Alternate (Trains in Sarasota)

Wiskus also competed in the 2020 Games and will return to the Olympics as an alternate for Team USA. The 25-year-old is from Spring Park, Minnesota, but also trains at EVO Gymnastics in Sarasota.

  • Angelica Delgado (Miami)

Delgado, who is from Miami, is a two-time Olympian. She competed in the 2016 and 2020 Games. The 33-year-old attended Florida International University.

  • Maria Laborde (Coconut Creek)

Born in Cuba, Laborde moved to the United States and received citizenship in 2022. The 33-year-old currently lives in Coconut Creek, Florida.

  • Ben Davison (Inverness)

Davison, an Inverness native, will return to the Olympics after competing in the 2020 Games. The 27-year-old attended the University of Washington.

  • Christian Tabash (Sarasota)

The U.S. Olympic Team rower is from Alexandria, Virginia, and currently resides in Sarasota. The 25-year-old attended Harvard University. His journey to rowing began following his dad’s suggestion to try the sport after getting cut from his high school’s freshman basketball team.

  • Clark Dean (Sarasota)

The Sarasota native previously competed in the 2020 Games. The 24-year-old attended Harvard University where he was named to the Academic All-Ivy League Team in 2023.

  • Perry Baker (Daytona Beach)

Perry Baker is a two-time Olympian who was formerly drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles but was cut due to a knee injury. The 38-year-old Daytona Beach native will play for the Men’s USA Rugby Team.

  • Malacchi Esdale (Orlando)

The 29-year-old rugby player was listed as an alternate for the Olympic Games in 2020. Originally from Newark, Delaware, Esdale played college rugby for the University of Central Florida before joining the Orlando Griffins.

  • Noah Lyons (Clearwater)

The Clearwater native and University of South Florida alum will compete in the 2024 Summer Olympics. He began sailing when he was just 6 years old.

  • Lara Dallman-Weiss (Miami)

Origionally from Shoreview, Minnesota attended Eckerd College in St. Petersburg. The 35-year-old began sailing when she was 6 years old.

  • Stephanie Roble (Miami)

Roble, from East Troy, Wisconsin now calls Miami her home. The 35-year-old previously competed in the 2020 Tokyo Games.

  • Erika Reineke (Fort Lauderdale)

The Fort Lauderdale native began sailing at 8 and became serious about the sport when she was 12. She graduated from Boston College in 2017.

  • Dominique Stater (Miami)

The 23-year-old from Miami is headed to the Olympics.

  • Markus Edegran (West Palm Beach)

The 30-year-old from West Palm Beach will compete in the 2024 Summer Games. He sailed in college at St. Mary’s College of Maryland.

  • David Liebenberg (Miami)

Liebenberg, originally from Richmond, California will be competing in the 2024 Olympics. He currently resides in Miami.

  • Sarah Newberry-Moore (Miami)

The Miami native and New College of Florida alum is heading to Paris. She grew up with a strong tradition of sailing in her family, but didn’t start competing until she joined her middle school sailing team when she was 12.

  • Dania Vizzi (Tampa)

The 29-year-old Tampa native is heading to the Summer Olympics. She graduated from the University of Florida in 2017.

  • Mary Tucker (Sarasota)

Tucker, an Olympic silver medalist, will return to the Games this summer. She won silver in the 2020 Games.

Skateboarding

  • Poe Pinson (Fernandina Beach)

The Fernandina Beach native started skating at 4 years old. She will now be heading the Paris to represent the USA.

  • Djordje Mihailovic (Jacksonville)

The Jacksonville native grew up playing for his father’s club, Chicago Blast. The 25-year-old will head to Paris to represent the US on the Men’s National Soccer Team.

  • Nathan Harriel (Oldsmar)

The 23-year-old Oldsmar native will compete on the USMNST at the Paris Olympics.

  • Benjamin Cremaschi (Miami)

The 19-year-old Miami native began playing soccer when he was 6 with the Key Biscayne FC. He will now represent the USA at the Olympics.

  • Duncan McGuire (Plays for Orlando City SC)

While McGuire is from Omaha, Nebraska, the 23-year-old currently plays for the Orlando City SC. He will compete on the Men’s National Soccer Team at the 2024 Olympics.

  • Caroline Marks (Melbourne Beach)

Marks, from Melbourne Beach, Florida, is a one-time Olympian who competed in the 2020 Games. She also became the youngest surfer to qualify for the Women’s Championship Tour when she was 15. The 22-year-old began surfing competitively when she was 8.

  • Bobby Finke (Clearwater)

The two-time Olympic gold medalist is heading back to the Games. The 24-year-old University of Florid alum won gold medals in the 1500 and 800-meter freestyles at Tokyo in 2020. He is from Clearwater.

  • Emma Weyant (Sarasota)

Sarasota’s Emma Weyant will return to the Games after winning the silver medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. She currently attends the University of Florida after transferring from the University of Georgia.

  • Caleb Dressel (St. Augustine)

The seven-time Olympic gold medalist will hit the water once again at the Olympics. The Orange Park, Florida native and UF alum earned gold medals at both the 2020 and 2016 Games.

  • Kieran Smith (Gainesville)

Smith, a bronze medalist, is originally from Ridgefield, Connecticut. He competed at the University of Florida, where he was named the SEC’s “Male Swimmer of the Year” during the 2019-20 season. He won bronze in 2020.

  • Katie Ledecky (Gainesville)

The 10-time Olympic medalist, Katie Ledecky, returns to the Games. She has accumulated seven gold medals and three silver medals since competing in the 2012, 2016, and 2020 Olympics. She currently lives in Gainesville.

  • Ryan Murphy (Ponte Vedra Beach)

Murphy, a six-time Olympic medalist has won four gold medals, a silver and a bronze medal since competing in the 2016 and 2020 Games. The 29-year-old is from Ponte Verda Beach, Florida.

  • Kristina Teachout (Palm Bay)

The Palm Bay, Florida native will compete in the 2024 Olympics.

  • Austin Krajicek (Brandon)

The 2020 Olympian is headed back to the Games. The 34-year-old is from Brandon, Florida, and attended college at Texas A&M.

  • Danielle Collins (St. Pete)

St. Pete’s very own Danielle Collins will be competing in the 2024 Olympics. She attended both the University of Florida and the University of Virginia.

  • Coco Gauff (Delray Beach)

The 20-year-old star tennis player is from Delray Beach.

Gauff’s father, who played basketball at Georgia State, coached her. Her mother, Candi, was a gymnast before competing in track and field at Florida State University.

  • Tommy Paul (Boca Rotan)

Paul, a 27-year-old from Greenville, North Carolina, will competing in the Summer Olympics. He currently lives in Boca Rotan.

  • Jessica Pegula (Boca Rotan)

The Buffalo, New York native is heading back to the Olympics after competing in the 2020 Tokyo Games. The 30-year-old currently resides in Boca Rotan.

Track and Field

  • Erriyon Knighton (Tampa)

Knighton, a Tampa native, didn’t participate in track and field until his freshman year of high school. He later went on to beat Usain Bolt’s record in the world U-20 in the 200-meter. The 20-year-old gradated from Hillsborough High School in 2022.

  • Parker Valby (Tampa)

The Tampa native and University of Florida Gator is headed to her first Olympics. She attended East Lake High School and was originally a competitive swimmer before starting cross-country in 2016.

  • Monae’ Nichols (Lakeland)

The Lakeland, Florida native is headed to the Olympics. The 25-year-old attended Bethune-Cookman University and Texas Tech University.

  • Jeremiah Davis (Fort Myers)

Davis, a Lehigh Acres native and athlete at Florida State University, will compete in the Summer Olympics. He was named Indoor Track and Field All-ACC 1st Team for long jump and triple jump in 2024.

  • Malcolm Clemons (Attends the University of Florida)

The 22-year-old University of Florida Gator is headed to the Olympics. Clemons is originally from Oakland, California.

  • Anna Hall (Attends the University of Florida)

The University of Florida Gator is heading to her first Olympics. The 23-year-old from Highlands Ranch, Colorado is a four-time National Champion and two-time Indoor Champion.

  • Donald Scott (Gainesville)

The Apopka native is heading to the Summer Olympics. The 32-year-old went to Apopka High School and attended college at Eastern Michigan University.

  • Kyree King – Relay pool additional athlete (Lives in Clermont)

King is headed to the Olympics. The 30-year-old is from Ontario, Canada but attended college at the University of Oregon. He currently lives in Clermont.

  • Grant Holloway (Gainesville)

Grant, an Olympic Silver Medalist, will compete at the Summer Games once again. The 26-year-old was a four-star wide receiver but chose to pursue track and field over football to pursue his dream of becoming an Olympian.

He attended the University of Florida and won the Silver Medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

  • Fred Kerley (Miami)

The 2020 Olympic Silver Medalist is headed back to the Olympics. Kerley, a Louisiana native, lives in Miami. According to his Team USA biography, the 29-year-old didn’t focus on track seriously until his family urged him to walk on his college team at Texas A&M.

  • Courtney Lindsey (Orlando)

Lindsey is headed to his first Olympic Games. The 25-year-old is from Rock Island, Illinois, but resides in Orlando.

  • Alexis Holmes (Orlando)

A Cheshire, Connecticut native is headed to the Olympics. Holmes, attended the University of Kentucky and currently lives in Orlando.

  • Twanisha Terry (Miami)

Terry, a 25-year-old Miami native, will compete in her first Olympic Games this summer. She attended college at the University of South Carolina.

  • Tamari Davis (Gainesville)

The Gainesville native is headed to the Olympics. Davis attended Gainesville High School and Oak Hall School. She signed with Adidas at just 16 years old.

  • Grace Stark (Gainesville)

Stark, a 23-year-old White Lake, Michigan native will compete in the Paris Olympics. She lives in Gainesville.

  • Quincy Hall (Lives in Gainesville)

The 23-year-old from Kansas City, Missouri will be representing the U.S. in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Hall attended the University of South Carolina and currently lives in Gainesville.

  • Aaliyah Butler (From Fort Lauderdale)

The 20-year-old Fort Lauderdale native will compete in the 2024 Olympics. She attends college at the University of Georgia.

  • Melissa Jefferson (Lives in Clermont)

The 23-year-old is from Hemingway, South Carolina and attended Coastal Carolina University. She currently resides in Clermont.

  • Jasmine Moore (Lives in Gainesville)

The 2020 Olympian, Jasmine Moore is headed back to the Games. She will be competing int he Long Jump and current lives in Gainesville. The 23-year-old is originally from Grand Prairie, Texas.

  • Russell Robinson (Attends the University of Miami)

Russell Robinson qualified for the Olympics in the Triple Jump. The Windemere, Florida native currently attends the University of Miami.

  • Sha’Carri Richardson (Lives in Clermont)

The former Louisiana State University Tiger is headed to the 2024 Summer Olympics. The 24-year-old is from Dallas, Texas, but currently lives in Clermont.

  • Noah Lyles (Lives in Clermont)

Noah Lyles, an Olympic bronze medalist will return to the Games for Track and Field. Lyles is known for his exceptional speed and was ranked first in the world for the 100-meter and 200-meter as of 2023. The Alexandria, Virginia native currently lives in Clermont.

  • McKenzie Long (Lives in Gainesville)

The Ironton, Ohio native is headed to her first Olympic Games. The 24-year-old attended the University of Mississippi but now resides in Gainesville.

  • Ashleigh Johnson (Miami)

The two-time Olympic gold medalist won as Team USA’s goalkeeper in 2016 and 2020. The 29-year-old is from Miami, Florida.

Para Archery

  • Tracy Otto (Plant City)

The Plant City native will be competing in the 2024 Olympics. She discovered Para archery after surviving a life-threatening domestic violence attack, which left her with loss of eyesight in her left eye and paralyzed from the chest down.

She attended the University of Tampa.

Para Swimming

  • Morgan Ray (St. Augustine)

The 21-year-old St. Augustine native attended the University of North Florida and has dreamed of being a Paralympian since he was young. He was born with achondroplasia, which is the most common form of short stature or dwarfism.

  • Christie Raleigh Crossley (Florida State Alum)

Crossley, a New Jersey native, grew up playing several sports, including basketball and baseball, where she was the only girl on her teams. However, she decided to focus on swimming when she was in middle school with the hopes of making it to the 1996 Olympics.

The 37-year-old moved to Florida when she was 15 in hopes of achieving her dreams. She also swam at Florida State University, where she was the Atlantic Coast Conference Freshman of the Year.

In 2007, she sustained a neck and back injury after being hit by a drunk driver, and then a brain injury in 2008 as a pedestrian in a hit-and-run. She left FSU to train at the North Baltimore Athletics Club.

Para Table Tennis

  • Jenson Van Emburgh (Belleair Beach)

The Olympic bronze medalist will return to the Olympics this summer, competing in Para table tennis. He is a Class 3 Para athlete who has a spinal cord injury that happened at birth. Van Emburgh is from Bellair Beach and attended Seminole High School.

Para Rowing

  • Gemma Wollenschlaeger (St. Augustine Beach)

The St. Augustine Beach native tried almost every other sport growing up, but rowing is what stuck. Now, Wollenschlaeger will be competing in the 2024 Paralympics.

The 2024 Summer Paris Olympics officially kicks off on Friday, July 26, and ends on Sunday, August 11.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.

Meet the Florida athletes competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics

sailboat racing tampa bay

Regatta History

  • Thursday Night Racing
  • Sunday Racing
  • Dinghy Dames
  • Florida Council of Yacht Clubs
  • Events/News
  • Local Cruising Destinations
  • Youth Sailing
  • Dining and Bar
  • About The Club
  • Location and Sailing Venue
  • Becoming a Member
  • About Our Docks
  • Club Weather
  • Club History
  • Member Login
  • Member Directory Entry
  • Hurricane Preparation
  • Ship's Store
  • Guardian II Manuals
  • Useful Links

sailboat racing tampa bay

Standing Club Sponsored Regattas

   
September Started in 1936 by the Tampa Sailing Squadron as a Labor Day cruise to Sarasota, in 1948 it became the Tampa to Sarasota Labor Day Race. In the early 1950's, DIYC, took over sponsorship of the race and it has been running annually since that time. The Friday evening of the Labor Day weekend, the night race begins just south of the Club and we promise to finish at a decent hour so you can enjoy your long weekend with your family and friends.  This race kicks off our DIYC Boat-of-the-Year Series.
October

Provide the women of the Tampa Bay area an opportunity to compete against each other with all female crew and socialize after the racing.  Provide an opportunity for less-experienced women to compete and gain the confidence with a coach on board.  Allow other participants (i.e. those of the male persuasion) to coach some of our women sailors.

October This Boat-of-the-Year event for DIYC encourages participation from veteran racers to casual cruisers looking to check out the racing scene.  There are divisions for everyone with choices in Spinnaker, Racer-Cruiser, and Cruising.  This one-day event features Hillsborough Bay Drop-Mark races for Spinnaker Divisions and a Distance course for the other Divisions.  After an afternoon of racing, DIYC hosts our traditional adult Halloween party.  Costumes are strongly encouraged for the awards party – for a separate competition of course.  The race is only half the fun.
November Egmont Key Race dates back to 1935 and is the oldest running sailboat race on the west coast of Florida.  It was created as a warm-up race for the Havana Race.  The 63.4 nm course takes racers around the key and back to DIYC.  We also offer a 35.2 nm course that stays inside the key for cruising and small spinnaker boats.  The winner of the 63.2 nm course is awarded the perpetual Houston Wall Trophy.
November Started in 1998 as the "No Class" Regatta, this is the Club's single handed sailing championship. Past Commodore, Bob Abberger, created this race with a few simple rules; no crew, no auto-pilot, one class and one start. The day after Thanksgiving was chosen to get out of obligations to go shopping and with an early start time to spend the whole day on the water. A trophy was needed; however, another silver cup was too much, so an old boat shoe was decided upon. Actually Bob's old boat shoe, was beautifully mounted on a wooden base by Joe Linton. The documented "Deed of Shoe" (cocktail napkin) was applied to the bottom of the trophy to be forever immortalized.
November This regatta has been run at DIYC for many years. Over time it has become one of the Club's premier youth sailing events. Hosting opti green, red, blue and white fleets along with C420 and ILCA fleets, this weekend of sailing is always sure to be a great way to end the Thanksgiving break.
December

This is a one-day regatta with drop-mark races for spinnaker boats and a distance race for others.  All spinnaker boats up to 30 feet with a symmetrical rig on the Drop-mark Course will compete for the perpetual Frank Selph Memorial Trophy.  Frank was an avid MORC supporter and the trophy is awarded in his honor.  All boats on the Drop-mark Course will compete for the perpetual Clint Johnson Trophy.

January

Dedicated to the honor of all DIYC past Commodores, this regatta kicks off the new year with intense racing for two days.  The best come out to set the tone for the second half of the season.  Expect great competition and fun shoreside entertainment Saturday night.

February

Since 2013, the ATP Race loosely follows our DIYC series formula of starting and finishing at DIYC. This year the 2023 edition will return to DIYC.

March

“Come Hell or high water” was the phrase used by our first regatta chair, Brian Malone. This distance race is held in Hillsborough Bay, but don’t assume it is just an afternoon cruise. Test your navigation skills and plan to race even if the weather pipes up. This time of year is prone to fronts. In the internet age, most race decisions are made at the bar watching radar. You can plan to race this one to hone your heavy weather skills, so don’t shy away if there is a blow.

April You may know this event from its 28 year history as the Morgan Invasion. The race organizers teamed up with the Davis Island Yacht Club, Suncoast Hospice, and LifePath Hospice to make this event a marquee regatta for the West coast of Florida.

Like the traditions of the Morgan Invasion, the Tampa Bay Hospice Cup appeals to both cruisers and racers. In addition to the traditional Morgan Invasion fleets, the regatta also features open non-Morgan fleets for PHRF, and a “Just-for-Fun” casual fleet. All proceeds will benefit Tampa Bay area Hospice organizations, which offer comprehensive hospice and palliative care, caregiver education, individual and group counseling, spiritual support and many other programs to those it serves regardless of race, age, faith, diagnosis or financial circumstances.

May

This race’s history dates back to 1946 and 2023 brings a new location as Ft. Myers continues to recover from Hurricane Ian. DIYC is joined again by Naples Sailing and Yacht Club whose feeder race the week before (May 19-20) will bring additional competitors to our regatta.  An approximately 125-mile coastal race, Tampa Bay to Naples will have the same character as prior years. All competitors departing from Tampa Bay compete for the Navigator’s Trophy donated by OH Rogers.  It is awarded to the first boat to finish in any class.

 

 

  • Election 2024
  • Entertainment
  • Photography
  • AP Buyline Personal Finance
  • AP Buyline Shopping
  • Press Releases
  • Israel-Hamas War
  • Russia-Ukraine War
  • Global elections
  • Asia Pacific
  • Latin America
  • Middle East
  • Election Results
  • Delegate Tracker
  • AP & Elections
  • Auto Racing
  • 2024 Paris Olympic Games
  • Movie reviews
  • Book reviews
  • Financial Markets
  • Business Highlights
  • Financial wellness
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Social Media

Delapierre steers French cat toward a spot in SailGP’s $2 million, winner-take-all Grand Final

  • Copy Link copied

Quentin Delapierre skippered France to finishes of 1-3-3 in a remarkable performance Saturday on San Francisco Bay to move close to advancing to SailGP’s $2 million, winner-take-all Grand Final, the biggest payday in sailing.

Three-time defending SailGP champion Tom Slingsby steered Australia’s Flying Roo 50-foot foiling catamaran to finishes of 5-1-8 to all but assure a spot Sunday in the Grand Final, which will follow the conclusion of the San Francisco regatta.

Peter Burling and the Team New Zealand Black Foils have already secured a spot in the Grand Final after winning five of the previous 12 regattas in Season 4 of tech billionaire Larry Ellison’s global league. The Kiwis finished fourth in all three fleet races and simply need to get through Sunday’s fleet racing in one piece and with no major penalties to move on to the start line of the Grand Final.

Delapierre needs to leapfrog Spain’s Diego Botin in the season standings to reach the three-boat Grand Final. He’s on track after he and his crew had great starts and expertly sailed their catamaran around the course.

Botin came into this regatta in third place overall, five points ahead of Delapierre. But he struggled in the strong wind and had finishes of 7-6-5 to sit in seventh place in the regatta.

Image

Slingsby won all three previous three SailGP championship races on San Francisco Bay. The prize money was doubled this season from the previous $1 million. San Francisco Bay is also where Slingsby helped Ellison’s Oracle Team USA stage a stunning rally against Emirates Team New Zealand to defend the America’s Cup in 2013.

Bernie Wilson has covered sailing for the AP since 1991.

AP sports: https://apnews.com/hub/sports

sailboat racing tampa bay

Predators' Steven Stamkos bids emotional farewell to Tampa Bay

Steven Stamkos joins "Free Agent Frenzy" to discuss his decision to sign a four-year contract with the Nashville Predators. (1:17)

  • Field Level Media

Copy Link

Steven Stamkos bid an emotional farewell to the Tampa Bay community on Monday, penning an article for The Players' Tribune that recounted going from the No. 1 draft pick to team captain to two-time Stanley Cup champion.

"How do you say goodbye to a place like that? To a city that welcomed you as an 18-year-old kid, to the only NHL team you've ever known, to a fan base that's been family? I don't really know, to be honest," he wrote.

Stamkos, 34, signed a four-year, $32 million contract in free agency with the Nashville Predators on July 1 after he and Lightning officials weren't able to come to terms on a new contract.

"I never thought I'd have to do one of these. It doesn't quite feel real that I won't be a Bolt this fall," he wrote in his essay. "But over the past few weeks, I've had this really deep sense of how lucky I was to be one for 16 years."

Stamkos recalled his first day in Tampa, a kid from Ontario taken with the No. 1 overall pick in 2008.

"When I got down to Tampa ... I was nervous. The very first time I walked into the rink it was for a press conference," he said. "I went in through the security entrance where we come in before practices, and I couldn't believe it: There were hundreds of employees lined up all the way down the hall, clapping for me as I walked by. I'll always remember how that made me feel, how welcome I felt. That's really stuck with me. I felt connected to the organization right away. And that connection never left me.

"The bond that the Lightning have with Tampa is a really special thing."

The bond was strengthened when the Lightning won two Stanley Cup titles in 282 days, winning in the "bubble" in the 2019-20 pandemic season and again the following year.

"It was such an amazing time in the city those few years. The Bucs were winning, the Rays were great. 'Champa Bay' was alive. The boat parades, the crowds, the celebrations. That's what it's all about. "

Stamkos said he takes nothing but great memories from his time in Tampa, where he played 1,082 games and tallied 1,137 points (555 goals, 582 assists).

"These past few weeks have been bittersweet. I never thought this day would come," Stamkos wrote. "I did everything I felt I could do to make it work, but sometimes things just happen. It didn't work. And I'd be lying if I said it wasn't heartbreaking. But my family and I, we're human, you know? Tampa is home. It's where our three kids were born ... it's where our memories are. It's always going to mean so much to us."

NAMBA DISTRICT 8

NAMBA 8 RC Model BOAT RACING

Namba 8 upcoming events.

sailboat racing tampa bay

ERCU Race #8 – Bernie Little Memorial

Lake Sacajawea 1801 Nichols Blvd Longview, WA 98632

View Detail

sailboat racing tampa bay

District 8 Points Race #7

Waughop Lake Waughop Lake Loop, Lakewood, WA 98498, USA

sailboat racing tampa bay

ERCU Race #9 – Seafair Trophy Race

Woodland Creek Park 6647 Pacific Ave SE, Olympia, WA 98503

sailboat racing tampa bay

ERCB Race #7

Eugene RC Boat Pond Delta North Connect Eugene, OR 97408

sailboat racing tampa bay

Classic Thunder Race #8 – Diamond Cup

Twin Lakes 16324 Twin Lakes Ave, Marysville, WA 98271

sailboat racing tampa bay

District 8 Points Race #8

sailboat racing tampa bay

ERCU Race #10 – Detroit Memorial Regatta

sailboat racing tampa bay

Classic Thunder Race #9 – Seafair Regatta

sailboat racing tampa bay

Classic Thunder Race #10 – Bill Muncey Cup

sailboat racing tampa bay

ERCU Race #11 – Gold Cup

sailboat racing tampa bay

2024 NAMBA Nationals

Sunset Park – Las Vegas, NV 2601 Sunset Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89120

sailboat racing tampa bay

ERCU Race #12 – Atomic Cup

Vance Creek Park Wenzel Slough Rd, Elma, WA 98541

JOIN DISTRICT 8

Copyright 2020, NAMBA – District 8. All Rights Reserved. Created by Caines Design .

COMMENTS

  1. Racing

    The aim of the association is to provide a program of fun racing on Tampa Bay for sailboats of different types via handicaps. Eligible sailboats are those which are self-righting, have self-draining cockpits, and a minimum overall length of twenty feet. Boats are rated by the West Florida Performance Handicap Racing Fleet (WFPHRF) or a special ...

  2. St. Pete To Shine Again

    The St. Petersburg Yacht Club and the western shore of Florida's Tampa Bay will be the epicenter of sailboat racing this weekend when more than 240 teams across 13 one-design classes and five ...

  3. Davis Island Yacht Club

    WELCOME TO DAVIS ISLAND YACHT CLUB. The Davis Island Yacht Club is a private, member-owned yacht club situated at the south end of Davis Islands in Tampa, Florida. The club sponsors a heavy schedule of sailing races, an active cruising fleet and a strong youth sailing organization. "The principal purpose of the Club shall be to promote sailing ...

  4. Home

    Tampa Sailing Squadron is a private, member-owned sailing club located in Apollo Beach, Florida.  Members enjoy many activities such as club racing, regattas, cruising and many other social events. Upcoming Events. ... The mission of the Squadron is to promote and facilitate sailing and related activities in the Tampa Bay area.

  5. Regattas

    Registration, Notice of Race, and Sailing Instructions. Commodore's Cup Regatta - January 18-19, 2025. Dedicated to the honor of all Davis Island Yacht Club past Commodores, this two-day regatta kicks off the new year with intense racing for two days. The best come out to set the tone for the second half of the season.

  6. St. Petersburg Sailing Association

    Welcome to SPSA! The St. Petersburg Sailing Association is a dedicated group of sailors who race and cruise throughout the year on Tampa Bay. We are a relaxed, sailing-focused, volunteer-run club with one core mission: to encourage participation in the noble art of sailing.Let's go sailing!

  7. American Sailing / North U Performance Race Week 2024 Regatta ~ St Pete, FL

    Seasoned coaches will be onboard your J/70, for both training and racing, guiding you through every facet of regatta success: strategic planning, tactical positioning, starting, boat speed, trim, helming, boat handling, and more! Feb 14-18, 2024. St PETE, FL. 2,690 / person. Race Ready J/70s. 2 Day On-The-Water Clinic.

  8. Clearwater Nationals

    The 2024 XINSURANCE Clearwater Offshore Nationals proceeds will support Tampa Bay Charities, Inc., The Clearwater Community Sailing Center and Sailability Tampa Bay. These Charities share the common focus of connecting our community to our waters and enabling children & adults alike to enjoy the paradise in which we live.

  9. Powerboat Grand Prix returns to Tampa Bay

    The Powerboat Grand Prix made its Tampa Bay debut in 2021, and the race returns to Florida this September. ... with a cross-Channel race in 1904 being followed by the formation of the American Power Boat Association (APBA) and the first US recorded race in 1911 in California. It increased in popularity in the United States over the next few ...

  10. Tampa hosts sailing championships this week on Davis Islands

    Lloyd Sowers reports. TAMPA, Fla. - Tampa is hosting the 2022 2.4mR World Championship and Para Sailing International Championship Regatta this week. It's being held at the Davis Islands Yacht Club. The event has drawn 41 sailors and their coaches from Finland, the US, Canada, Italy, Puerto Rico, South Korea, the UK, Australia and Guatemala.

  11. Regattas

    Upcoming Regattas. 2024 September 14/15 Bruce Watters Regatta. 2024 October 5 Fall Bay Race/Ted Irwin Memorial Regatta. 2024 October 19 St. Petersburg Classic Regatta. 2024 October 26/27 High School Singlehanded Nationals. 2024 November 2 MOA. 2024 November 9/10 College Singlehanded Nationals. 2024 November 20- SORC.

  12. TBRegattaCalendar

    Address: 11 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 | 2301 Pass-a-Grille Way, St. Pete Beach, FL 33706. Phone: 727-822-3873 Pass-a-Grille 727-360-1646

  13. Everglades Challenge: An Insane Small-Boat Race Down Florida

    A Race Like No Other. Every year on the first Saturday in March, an eclectic collection of small boats gathers on the beach at Fort Desoto Park just south of St. Petersburg on Tampa Bay, bound for Key Largo, some 300 miles away around the southern tip of Florida.

  14. Racing Results

    DIYC Boat of the Year: Tampa Bay to Ft. Myers Race: 2022 Tampa Bay to Ft. Myers Race: View Results: 2022-05-26: Club Racing: Thursday Nights: 2022-05-26 Thursday Green Flash Race: View Results: 2022-05-22: One Design Racing: RS Aero: 2022 RS Aero North American Championships: View Results: 2022-05-19: Club Racing:

  15. Sailing

    Sailing at Tampa Yacht and Country Club. The sailing program is ready to support our members whether you want to learn the ropes, cruise the bay or compete in races. We have access to fleets of Flying Scots, Sunfish, RS Zests, c420s and Optimists. We host regattas, try sailing events and lessons throughout the year. In the summer we host Summer ...

  16. St. Petersburg Sailing Center

    Special Events. Since the 1940's. The St. Petersburg Sailing Center has been home to novice sailors and expert racers since the early 1940's. Community memberships are available to those who live in the Tampa Bay Area.

  17. Events

    Events. - Grid View. The event calendar shows upcoming club events. Select a view then use the navigation buttons to move between dates. Click on the event to view more information, including the event description, times, location, fees and any rules regarding attendance; you can also register for events from this screen.

  18. St. Petersburg Sailing Association

    St. Petersburg Sailing Association, Downtown St. Petersburg. 1,252 likes · 2 talking about this · 20 were here. A sailing club for sailors in Tampa Bay.

  19. Home

    The MC Sailing Association originally formed in Shreveport LA, 1971. Since then, the MC class has grown to be one of the top one-design sailboat racing classes in North America. The scow design maximizes speed yet provides unmatched stability. There are more than 113 active fleets nationwide. An original design by the Melges family in 1956, it ...

  20. Home

    The Lake Sunapee Cruising Fleet is a non-profit, volunteer organization dedicated to the sport of sailboat racing on Lake Sunapee. Our fleet has been in existence since 1984. From late May to early September each year, we race on Lake Sunapee every Wednesday evening and 5 Sunday afternoons. Parties interested in joining our fleet are encouraged ...

  21. Meet the Florida athletes competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics

    T AMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The opening ceremony for the 2024 Summer Olympics is just weeks away and many athletes with Florida ties, including Tampa Bay locals will be representing Team USA in Paris.

  22. Tampa native Parker Valby 'super grateful' to reach Paris Olympics

    Tampa native and East Lake High School alum, Parker Valby, punched her ticket to Paris after coming in second place in the 10,000-meter race, finishing with a time of 31:41.56.

  23. Best Moscow Mule in Tampa? : r/tampa

    Animals and Pets Anime Art Cars and Motor Vehicles Crafts and DIY Culture, Race, and Ethnicity Ethics and Philosophy Fashion Food and Drink History Hobbies Law Learning and Education Military Movies Music Place Podcasts and Streamers Politics Programming Reading, ... Go to tampa r/tampa ...

  24. Regatta History

    Tampa Bay to Naples Race: This race's history dates back to 1946 and 2023 brings a new location as Ft. Myers continues to recover from Hurricane Ian. DIYC is joined again by Naples Sailing and Yacht Club whose feeder race the week before (May 19-20) will bring additional competitors to our regatta.

  25. Delapierre steers French cat toward a spot in SailGP's $2 million

    Quentin Delapierre skippered France to finishes of 1-3-3 in a remarkable performance on San Francisco Bay to move close to advancing to SailGP's $2 million, winner-take-all Grand Final, the biggest payday in sailing.

  26. Predators' Steven Stamkos bids emotional farewell to Tampa Bay

    The boat parades, the crowds, the celebrations. That's what it's all about. Stamkos said he takes nothing but great memories from his time in Tampa, where he played 1,082 games and tallied 1,137 ...

  27. Tampa Bay, Florida news

    The Tampa Bay Times e-Newspaper is a digital replica of the printed paper seven days a week that is available to read on desktop, mobile, and our app for subscribers only. To enjoy the e-Newspaper ...

  28. NAMBA DISTRICT 8

    ERCB Race #7. Eugene RC Boat Pond Delta North Connect Eugene, OR 97408. View Detail. Aug 11, 2024 Classic Thunder Race #8 - Diamond Cup. Twin Lakes 16324 Twin Lakes Ave, Marysville, WA 98271. View Detail. Aug 17, 2024 District 8 Points Race #8. Twin Lakes 16324 Twin Lakes Ave, Marysville, WA 98271.

  29. Russian passenger jet crashes flying empty near Moscow, killing ...

    MOSCOW (AP) — A Russian passenger jet crashed Friday while flying without passengers, killing its crew of three, officials said. The Sukhoi Superjet 100 went down in the Moscow region, according ...

  30. The SailGP Grand Final took place in San Francisco Saturday

    Teams from around the world race high speed sailboats around the S.F. Bay for $2 million prize Saturday was the first day of the SailGP Grand Final in San Francisco. By Danielle Echeverria , Data ...