The fourth annual Rhody Regatta, set for Saturday, May 30, is off to an impressive start in both registration and fundraising for its beneficiary, Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island.
The single 18-mile course circumnavigates Conanicut Island and offers a mix of open-water sailing and tactical shoreline strategy.
Early registrations include some notable entries: Wendy Schmidt’s Botin 45 Azulito of Newport; Richard Moody’s R/P 66 Boudicca-Gill Race Team of Jamestown; and returning champion Matt Brooks’ S&S 52 Dorade of San Diego. Other entries include Phil Lotz’s J/160 Eudora, Brian Cunha’s Kerr 55 Irie 2 of Newport, Robert Laska’s First 36.7 Relentless, Steve Eddleston’s historic 12 Metre Weatherly of Bristol and Joe Brito’s J/121 Incognito of Bristol.
Two of those teams have taken the lead on the fundraising side.
The Weatherly crew jump-started the effort by contributing individually on behalf of the boat through the Meals on Wheels website.
“I simply asked my team members to contribute whatever amount seemed reasonable for them, and they were excited to participate,” Eddleston said, adding that other teams might find similar success in collective contributions. “It gives sailors a chance to give back while enjoying the sport that has given them so much.”
Brito and his Incognito team, which has sailed in the event since its debut, have rallied to cover trophies and catering for the awards ceremony, which will be held Sunday, May 31, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Brick Pizza Company’s Stone Room at Unity Park, 500 Wood St., in Bristol.
Teams can register their fundraising effort at bit.ly/Rhody2026fund, and competitors can enter the race at bit.ly/RhodyYachtscoring.
The Rhody Regatta is organized by the International Yacht and Athletic Club, an official US Sailing-affiliated club whose race committee runs several area regattas for sport boats and maxi yachts. More information is available at iyacnewport.com.
