What makes a good regatta?

[Jibeset]

Now there is always having good wind and race management. But what about the other stuff at the Yacht Club or bar? Does location make a difference? If you travel to a regatta do you find yourself taking in more of the scene at the club than you may have at your own Yacht Club? What works at your YC or others that you like? Are the larger events in your area better because of Sponsorship or is it more attention to detail?

[Ballard Sailor]

For us (and we're unique) we enjoy a regatta that our competitors don't leave and go home after racing. Where everyone hangs out around a keg of beer after sailing, do dinner, party till the wee hours and then wake up and race against each other again. Professional RC work, Major Sponsorship, perfect conditions all fall behind the fun factor.

[Old Codger]

I haven't attended many regattas. One does stand out for many reasons. The attitude of everyone there was great. Helpful, hospitable and informative.
The crew of the boat at the top at the end of each day spent the evening entertaining the crew at the bottom. The idea was to never have the same boat come in last more than once. Much was learned and the primary memory is of laughing so much that it hurt.

[Sloansailing]

"What makes a good regatta?"

[BobJ]

You might ask the SSS: 323 boats entered (so far) for the 3BF and to my knowledge there's never been a protest.

[RedTuna]

The idea was to never have the same boat come in last more than once.

That is truly awesome sportsmanship.

[Born 2 Sail]

Cohesiveness with the groups really makes the difference. Events and classes where all stick around
and share a laugh or a beer or an idea far surpass ultra competitive ones with the lack thereof.

[Rainier]

Buddies, beers, and breeze. Yacht clubs are optional...

[Caca Cabeza]

No particular order: rum, bottle rockets, depth charges, det cord, band, party.

Oh yeah, ice.

[Sanity Check]

For us (and we're unique) we enjoy a regatta that our competitors don't leave and go home after racing. Where everyone hangs out around a keg of beer after sailing, do dinner, party till the wee hours and then wake up and race against each other again. Professional RC work, Major Sponsorship, perfect conditions all fall behind the fun factor.

I haven't attended many regattas. One does stand out for many reasons. The attitude of everyone there was great. Helpful, hospitable and informative. The crew of the boat at the top at the end of each day spent the evening entertaining the crew at the bottom. The idea was to never have the same boat come in last more than once. Much was learned and the primary memory is of laughing so much that it hurt.

Cohesiveness with the groups really makes the difference. Events and classes where all stick around and share a laugh or a beer or an idea far surpass ultra competitive ones with the lack thereof.

I agree with the above comments. I think the time spent at the bar or other facility where racers can interact is key. Such mingling allows for group development as previously described and also contributes to sportsmanlike demeanor on the race course. Ideas to promote participation in such gatherings are ideas that promote fun regattas.

[soling2003]

That is the big difference between a one design regatta and big boat regattas. With dingys and small keel boats, we would all haul out or moore at the same place, mix it up before and after racing right there at the parking lot, where ever. Or years ago at Leschi, all the 6's where on one dock, us Dragon's where at the south moorage all together, etc. And we'd end up at the rest. there after tues. night racing more ofen than not.

At least we have one other boat in our class mooring next to us now, and we are very close to CYC, so it isn't too bad, but it would be fantastic if most of the boats in your class moored at least on the same dock. That would add a lot.

WIRW is good at that, keeping classes together at the dock. Makes for more fun and comaraderie.

[Kris O]

When I was younger, it was all about the party, cheap drinks, cheap food, good band and lots of boats, now I am more interested in good tight racing, a hot shower, decent drink prices, some food and could care less if there is a band. When I'm in Chicago I hope for wind and a non-biased jury because I know there will be protests, when I'm in Park City I hope to make it in the top half of the fleet, when I'm in SF I hope the wind stays under 28.

[Ballard Sailor]

28 not 27?

[aA]

funny...when it's a moore race i'm usually hoping for 30 or more

good courses, good race track, great fleets and friends are what makes a regatta...the off the water fun is a given with all of those ingredients

[Single Hander]

Comaraderie. People who like to hang together both on the water and after.