Summerset Regatta returns to Beach waters
For 46 consecutive years, the sailors of Southwest Florida have gathered to celebrate the end of summer by participating in this area’s premier sailing event called the Summerset Regatta.
This year, hundreds of sailors are expected from Tampa Bay to the Florida Keys, participating in more than 50 boats in 7 classes during the weekend of Oct. 8-9.
The Offshore Sailing School Buoy Races on Saturday, and the West Marine Coastal Race on Sunday will inspire the competition among sailors representing 8 different sailing clubs.
This year, the Caloosahatchee Marching and Chowder Society is again proud to present the 46th Summerset Regatta.
CMCS will continue the tradition of contributing thousands of dollars ($8,100 in 2010) from the proceeds to local youth sailing groups, up and down the coast. The activities include racing, social and happy hour events, prize drawings, and the awards dinner at the Captiva Ballroom Pink Shell Resort.
Each vessel entered will be eligible for fantastic door prizes, such as haul-outs, boat services, gift certificates and nautical supplies. The 2011 race will include many of our area’s fastest racing yachts and previous Boat of the Year winners. The Summerset Regatta is the first regatta to be scored in the 2011-12 BOTY racing for Southwest Florida, Charlotte Harbor and the Caloosahatchee BOTY competitions.
The “Sail the Tradition” theme will continue!
THE 46TH SUMMERSET REGATTA
Schedule of Events
Wednesday, Oct. 5th
Registration deadline 1700 hours
– Friday, Oct. 7 Press is welcome at this event
Shoreside activities start at 1830 hours when the Regatta kicks off with the Lexus of Fort Myers Skippers’ Meeting/Party at Bonita Bill’s, with free beer, soda, and pizza. Bonita Bill’s is located at 702 Fisherman’s Wharf, San Carlos Island at Ft. Myers Beach. Drawing for cruisers’ prizes too!
– Saturday, Oct. 8
First Start 0930 hrs
Offshore Sailing School Buoy Races off Fort Myers Beach
Post-race cocktail party starts at 1800 hours at Coconuts, at the Pink Shell Resort. Cash bar with free beer and Hors d’oeuvres. Drawing for racers’ prizes, steel drum music, and nautical painting/art show.
– Sunday, Oct. 9
First Start at 0930 hrs
West Marine Coastal Race off Fort Myers Beach. Racers will finish a 1420 nautical mile distance race in the Gulf of Mexico, off the Pink Shell Resort.
– Sunday, Oct. 9
1830 hrs Morgan Stanley Smith Barney awards dinner and party at The Pink Shell Resort, Captiva Ballroom
For further information, contact the following CMCS Flag Officers:
Regatta Chairperson & Vice Commodore: Steve Romaine at 482-6280; email Sromaine294@yahoo.com; or Rear Commodore of Racing: Steve Roake at 549-2434; email steve@theroakes.com;
The Summerset Regatta website is www.summersetregatta.com, while the CMCS website is www.CMCS-sail.org