By Laura Beigel
The fourth annual Dinghy Race by Volvo Construction Equipment, formerly known as the Secor Volvo Race, will be sailed July 12 and 13, 2018. This one-of-a-kind event is modeled after the Volvo Ocean Race, and participants between the ages of 12 and 18 race 420s on a 20-mile course in Fishers Island Sound in an experience normally reserved for older sailors.
As in “the other Volvo,” participants in The Dinghy Race by Volvo Construction Equipment sail distance legs and make stopovers. © Clay Burkhalther/burkhalterphotos.com
“We are proud to offer 100 teams of young, eager sailors the opportunity to race in a unique, challenging event,” said Brandon Flack, President of Atlantic Marketing who has served as the volunteer Regatta Chairperson with the Dinghy Race by Volvo Construction Equipment Construction Equipment since its inception. “The Dinghy Race by Volvo Construction Equipment is like an athletic game of chess; it teaches all sorts of on the water problem solving skills that well prepare young participants for future competitions beyond the normal buoy racing.”
This year’s race starts at Niantic Bay Yacht Club in Niantic, CT and the sailors will race 10 miles to Fishers Island for a banquet and a campout at the Fishers Island School. On day two, the race concludes with a 10-mile journey up the Mystic River to Mystic River Shipyard in Mystic, CT. Finishing teams will be cheered on by an enthusiastic crowd at the Racer’s Jam, a rock & roll extravaganza hosted by Mystic Shipyard the night before the Mudhead Benefit Cup for the Center for Hospice Care.
The Dinghy Race by Volvo Construction Equipment is the first youth event in the world to earn Sailors for the Sea’s Clean Regattas Platinum level certification. © Clay Burkhalther/burkhalterphotos.com
The first youth event to achieve Platinum level Clean Regattas certification from Sailors for the Sea, the Dinghy Race by Volvo Construction Equipment is proud to leave no carbon footprint behind. To achieve Platinum level certification, the Dinghy Race by Volvo Construction Equipment must work with Sailors for the Sea at least six months prior to the event, meet 70 of 75 sustainability indicators, and prepare a sustainability report. With the event’s commitment to carbon neutrality, participants learn the significance of minimizing ocean pollution while competing in a world-class event.
“It is an honor to support the participants in this race and the commitment they show to their sport and their team members,” said Stephen Roy, President, Sales Region Americas, Volvo Construction Equipment. “Sustainability is a core value of our company, and as such, we’re also in strong support of the Race’s commitment to the environment and instilling that value in younger generations.”
Registration for The Dinghy Race by Volvo Construction Equipment is open, although participation is limited to 100 boats and 200 total participants. For more information, visit TheDinghyRace.com and facebook.com/thedinghyrace.
Laura Beigel is the CEO of Beigel Sailing Media.
