The Clark Lake Yacht Club Fall Regatta happens Saturday and Sunday, September 17th and 18th.  As always, it will attract sailors from all over to compete in this annual event.  In recent years, it brought as many as 30 boats to the lake for the two day affair.  In 2020, the event did not take place because of COVID.  Last year, participation was somewhat muted because of lingering restrictions.  Canadian competitors were not able to cross the border.  Rebels and Wayfarers competed, and you can review results by clicking here.    

One class missing last year was the Buccaneer. That won’t happen this year.  Why?  The Buccaneer North American Championship will be held at Clark Lake.  It will start two days prior to the Regatta on Thursday and Friday, September 15th and 16th.  Buccaneers will also take part in the Regatta, but with separate starts. 

 

Twenty to 30 Buccaneers are expected to arrive from places like Virginia, Wisconsin, Kansas, Colorado, New York, Oregon and Canada.  The farthest location from Clark Lake?  Alaska.  Previous North American Championships have been held at Solomon Island, Maryland; Mystic Seaport near Long Island; San Diego, Houston, and Kenosha, Wisconsin.  This will be the 4th time the Clark Lake Yacht Club has hosted this championship. 

A local Yacht Club members sails a Buccaneer.  Larry Schmida will be part of the competition, but this is not his first.  Most recently he competed at the Championship races in Lake Dillion, Colorado; on Lake Michigan at Highland Park, Illinois; and Toronto, Ontario. 

The Buccaneer is an 18 foot sailboat with both a jib and mainsail.  Spinnakers are also used to gain an edge when tacking before the wind (wind from behind pushes the boat forward).  Spinnakers usually create a striking visual as some display dramatic designs and colors.     

Clark Lake Yacht Club Commodore Patrick O’Harris believes interest in sailing is growing here.  The enthusiasm is illustrated as more sailboats are moored at the Club.   

Here are some photos from the 2021 Regatta. 

What motivates people to sail?  You’ll find answers in this video.