REGATTA, REGATTA, REGATTA

Gather your crew for a CYC Regatta to beat the great regattas of the world. Any gathering of boats can be a regatta, but at CYC we raise the bar for an unparalleled week of fun, friendship and general frivolity.

This year join your fellow club members, young and old, as we set your favorite regatta events on a course to some famous yacht racing destinations. Following is a tentative schedule of events.

TUESDAY, JULY 11

Commodore Mike and First Lady Colleen Mansuetto will officially open The CYC Island Regatta at the start of the inaugural CYC Island Race, where the CR 914 (remote control) fleet circumnavigates the island for the trophy and bragging rights. Follow alongside the race with refreshment stations on the boardwalk. Then it’s off to Center Isle to cheer on the Cardboard Boat Races, followed by kids’ activities in the Spar Loft and grown-up fun at Topside.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 12

Yacht racing, like CYC, is steeped in tradition yet constantly innovating, and Wednesday honors both aspects of our club. Reconnect and reminisce or make new friends as we honor our longest-tenured members at the Member Appreciation Party in the clubhouse. Later, all members are invited to meet and mingle at the New Member Mixer. Come show them the ropes!

THURSDAY, JULY 13

Don your hat and pearls for a garden party on the tent lawn as the ladies give a (subtle) nod to the yacht racing traditions of Europe at the Royal Regatta Luncheon. “Special guest appearances” by some of your favorite Brits.

In the evening, be transported to Charleston, South Carolina, a hot stop on the yacht racing circuit, for delectable low country foods, wine pairings and champagne. Then, grab a seat as dueling pianos bring all your favorite songs and twice the fun with their riotous show.

And we haven’t forgotten our smaller yachties. Center Isle will be center-fun with a splash party, then crafts and movies. Teens and tweens will have their own dance party—friends welcome! Topside will be open for the parents, too.

FRIDAY, JULY 14

Annapolis, home to the US Naval Academy, is steeped in sailing tradition so come sail away across the Chesapeake Bay to the CYC Officers’ Club where we will rock the boat to the yacht-rock groove of Afternoon Delight. Be sure to get there early to try a lobster roll or a crab cake at the outdoor cafe. Dig out your sailor suit, your dress blues or your best East Coast prepster yacht wear and boogie down. Then race over to the clubhouse for latenight fun and games at the after-party.

SATURDAY, JULY 15

Start the day gently with a stroll around the island to review the boat decorations (there will be prizes!). As you get more wind in your sails, head to Center Isle for a burger bar lunch and a Jr. Regatta of kids’ pool games. The Flag Line even gets in on the fun. Relax and regroup at Topside because the race is still on!

We’ll go back in time to 1959, sail across the deep water in the Last Race to Havana and relive the glamour of old Cuba. Guayaberas, ruffled layers and dancing shoes encouraged. Come early to sample Cuban specialties and American favorites at the cafe. The rum will flow and cigar smoke will blow!

SUNDAY, JULY 16

Join together at the Sunrise Service featuring our CYC Chorus then enjoy your Flag Line’s hospitality as they serve breakfast at the clubhouse. Or, head out for the Kids’ Fishing Derby (Need a ride? Let us know!). The Kids’ Carnival at Center Isle will feature your old favorites plus a few surprises so don’t miss out!

Whether you’re captain, crew or along for the ride, please join the Squadron Sail, a great CYC tradition. It’s a chance for the Commodore to review the fleet, and for the fleet to salute our Commodore. Look for details coming in your regatta guide.

The last competition is the fiercest: the Rib Cook-Off. There’s a limited number of entrants so sign up soon! And we’re staying close to home and close to our hearts for the last regatta destination: Put-in-Bay. Enjoy an award winning rib dinner as Pat Shepard sings the (familyfriendly) songs we love to hear and we toast to another great regatta.

We’re looking forward to seeing you and your crew at every event.

—Sarah and Chris van Raalten