WindCheck Magazine Third Annual Rhody Regatta will start “Up the Bay”

Dorade (right) won overall in last year’s Rhody. © Stephen R Cloutier

The third annual Rhody Regatta, hosted by the International Yacht and Athletic Club (IYAC) based in Newport, RI and benefiting the Rhode Island Community Food Bank headquartered in Providence, takes place Saturday, May 31, helping kick off the Narragansett Bay sailing season with a single mid-distance race, approximately 18 miles around Jamestown (Conanicut Island).

In format changes, the start and finish area will be near Gould Island rather than the previously near Fort Adams, and the Awards Party will be held Sunday, June 1 at Bristol Yacht Club.

“This gives boats from the upper Bay easier access,” said Pat Kennedy, co-chair of the event with his IYAC partner Mick Harvey. “Having the Awards Party a day later gives everyone a bit of breathing room, so they can rally the next evening to join the merrymaking at Bristol YC, and we can all remember why we’re sailing: to enjoy the sport that’s given us so much and to give back to those less fortunate through the Rhode Island Food Bank.

“It’s all about spreading the word, so boat owners know to get their boats in early. We’re gaining momentum, coordinating outreach with The Twenty Hundred Club, and working with entities such as Bristol Yacht Club to make this a fun, meaningful regatta,” said Harvey, adding that all crew members are welcome to the Awards Party at no charge, and IYAC will host a competitor’s gathering (also free) after Saturday’s racing).

Funds raised during the 2025 Rhody Regatta will be donated to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, which provides food to over 84,000 Rhode Islanders monthly through its statewide network of 147 member agencies. Skippers are encouraged to make a minimum $250 donation to the Food Bank at a direct link on the IYAC and Food Bank’s websites. Prizes will be awarded to the best three boats on corrected time in each class, Best Overall corrected time, and the team raising the most funds for the RI Community Food Bank.