(Harbor Light photo by Mark Flemming)
Ugotta Regatta Weekend
Essential Dates & Times
* Thursday (7/29): Lunch Service 11-2. Volunteer packet pickup, 2:30-3pm. On-water volunteer meeting, 3pm. Regatta registration, 4-6pm. Dinghy Racing, 6pm . No dinner event this week, but the bar will be open. American Legion party to benefit Little Traverse Sailors, open to all, 5-8 (details below)
* Friday (7/30): No LTS Programs. Regatta Tees go on sale at Irish Boat Shop, 8am. Lunch Service 11-2. One Design Racing, 12 noon. Regatta registration, 3-5pm. No Euchre this week. Bar open noon until Irish Boat Shop party. IBS party, 5pm - tickets required.
* Saturday (7/31): No Lunch Service. Racing All Day, starting at noon. Regatta Party after Racing. Bar open and snacks.
* Sunday (8/1): No Lunch Service. Racing All Day, starting at noon. Regatta Awards Party after Racing. Bar open and snacks.
The Insiders' Guide
to Ugotta Regatta
We can't help you with your performance on the race course, but we can tell you everything you need to know to win the weekend at LTYC! Here is the inside scoop...
WHAT'S DIFFERENT THIS YEAR
We never like to change anything here in Harbor Springs, but in a world where everything changed last year, we had to alter course a bit. We are keeping it simple this year by focusing on what we love about Ugotta Regatta: Sailing and time spent with friends. There will be racing and parties as usual, but there will be no meals served at the parties and there is no pancake breakfast. Make your game plan with that in mind and you'll be ahead of the competition already.
PROPER ATTIRE
The unofficial motto of Ugotta Regatta is "No Coat, No Ties, No Socks... No Problem! Just great racing on the pristine waters of Little Traverse Bay, a chance for some relaxation in beautiful Harbor Springs, and a guaranteed good time". Whether you are sailing or not, you should "come as you are" and plan to join the fun at the club all weekend long.
Latest Fashions: The first race of the weekend happens early Friday morning when eager regatta fans line up at Irish Boat Shop to buy this year's regatta t-shirt. The 2021 design will be unveiled and sales will begin at 8am sharp. Styles and sizes do sell out so get there early to be sure you get your choice. Any remaining shirts will be sold during Friday night's party at IBS.
***Don't miss the info below on the once in a lifetime auction of a collection of many years of regatta shirts. WOW!!!***
Stylish Hats: If you see someone wearing a white regatta hat, you've spotted one of our many, many volunteers. Say thank you and feel free to ask them if you need any help. The sailors may be sporting this year's Gosling Rum hats, or they may be wearing vintage Gosling or Mount Gay hats from regattas of yore. You, too, should wear a hat for sun protection (and style).
RACING
This year is a "down year" in which the Chicago-Mackinac was the first of the two Mackinac races, so signups are traditionally lower. Nevertheless, 84 boats are registered, representing yacht clubs from around the country. About one-third of the competitors are local LTYC boats and the remainder are our guests. If you want to get the complete details on the racers or even follow the action through a pair of binoculars, you'll want to refer to the official Scratch Sheet. Click here.
Regatta Savings Time: A few years back, racing time changed to start an hour later - at noon. The change was made to take advantage of our prevailing winds which are typically steadier in the afternoon. As the land warms up, the heat rises, and the cooler air over the water rushes toward the shore. It's what makes Harbor Springs such a special place to sail. Starting an hour later will (fingers crossed) result in better racing for all.
Front Row Seats: Most boats will head out in the 10-11am range and come back in after racing in the 3-4pm range depending on the weather. These are fun times to be on the water or around the harbor as the sailors head out with high hopes and return with stories to tell.
Tune In: It's not exactly ESPN, but if you are out on the water and want to listen in on the starts, dial your UHF radio to 74 for the one-design course and 79 for the tour-of-the-bay course.
VOLUNTEERING
While you are at LTYC this weekend, take a look around and marvel at the many volunteers who come together to put on a world class event year after year. THANK YOU to everyone who is taking time out of their busy weekend to work a volunteer shift!
Volunteers are VIPs: All Volunteers should stop by the club from 2:30- 3pm on Thursday to pick up their volunteer packet, hat, and Irish Boat Shop Party Tickets. On-the-water volunteers have a meeting on Thursday at 3pm, after packet pickup, for final marching orders. Each day's on-the-water volunteers will also meet on the porch at 9:30am for last minute updates before heading out.
PARTIES
On Thursday evening, the local American Legion Hall (Post 281) welcomes sailors for an evening of fun on Thursday, July 29th (5pm - 8pm). Bar is open, live music by Mike Ridley. $45 per person. Benefits local charities including Little Traverse Sailors
On Friday evening, Irish Boat Shop hosts a party for racers and volunteers. It starts at 5pm and tickets are required.
On Saturday and Sunday after sailing, LTYC is the host for members, racers, and their guests. There will be bar service and snacks, but we are keeping it simple this year as we come back from Covid so there will be no meals served.
Your First Step at the club: Start your party at the cashier's tent where you can purchase drink tickets. If you are lucky, they'll ask to check your ID too, as everyone over 21 needs to have a wristband to demonstrate that we are responsible folks and we are complying with liquor laws.
You Should Know: All drinks must be purchased at the cashiers' tent. Volunteer bartenders will not be able to take your member number as payment, but you CAN charge your drink tickets to your member number at the cashier's tent. Cash and credit cards are also accepted.
Pro Tip: If you want a beer, head to the beer trailer out back. There will be no beer at the inside bar or the bar under the tent. Otherwise, the inside bar and the big bar under the tent are the same. There will be a dedicated station for non-alcoholic drinks on the back patio.
The Rules Are Different: A special liquor license means that non-members can buy alcohol all weekend long, so invite your friends and family (and let them pay their own way - wink).
Don't Get Caught: Be aware that regatta drink tickets are ONLY valid during the regatta parties. Enjoy them this weekend because credits cannot be issued after the event.
