© Stephen R Cloutier
Our friends at the Storm Trysail Club and Larchmont Yacht Club in Larchmont, NY are pleased to announce that the Intercollegiate Offshore Regatta Presented by ShopRite of Carteret is on for Columbus Day Weekend 2021. The eagerly anticipated return after so many pandemic cancellations is welcomed by the teams, clubs, and volunteers.
“There is great interest on the schools’ behalf as much of the college sailing season was canceled last year – including our event,” says IOR Co-Chair Doug Lynn. “All schools who originally committed to the event last year are planning to attend this year and there is still space for more.”
The event is by invitation only and provides an opportunity for the predominantly dinghy-focused college sailors to experience big boat sailing – which is unavailable to many college teams. Hosted by Larchmont Yacht Club October 9 – 10, 2021 with a practice day on October 8, the provided boats range from one-designs like J/105s, J/109s, and J/44s to competitive racing machines. Boats are volunteered by local sailors and one boat representative competes onboard each boat as a safety officer.
In 2019, a total of 48 boats with over 350 collegiate sailors participated in one of the largest turnouts in the event’s almost 50-year history. Forty-two colleges were represented, and six colleges sailed on two boats. “We expect at least 50 schools to attend this year with some fielding two teams,” says Co-chair Ann Myer. “New this year, we are adding a J/88 and a Figaro class to the lineup.”
In addition to great race management, sailors will be welcomed to the social events that have come to epitomize the IOR. “We love hosting the young sailors and all the volunteers here at Larchmont Yacht Club,” says LYC Commodore Rob Dailey. “Creating opportunities for young sailors and veterans alike to network and have a new experience is a great way to cap off a season.”
“This event relies on the volunteers to make it happen,” says Storm Trysail Commodore Ed Cesare. “Larchmont Yacht Club as the host, the Race Committee, and especially all the boat owners who understand the importance of fostering the next generation of offshore sailors.”
Teams interested in an invitation should contact the race organizers along with any boat owners interested in being a part of the event with the organizers yet should contact ior@stormtrysail.org. The Notice of Race will be posted at stormtrysail.org/ior in the late summer.
A special thanks to the committed sponsors for 2021, ShopRite of Carteret, Helly Hansen, UK Sailmakers Northeast, and Dimension Polyant. If your business is interested in supporting, contact sponsorship@stormtrysail.org. ■
