The third annual Rhody Regatta, hosted by the International Yacht and Athletic Club (IYAC) based in Newport, and benefiting the R.I. Community Food Bank, is on Saturday, May 31, helping to kick off the 2025 sailing season on Narragansett Bay.

It’s a single mid-distance race, approximately 18 miles in length, around Jamestown (Conanicut Island). In changes to the format, the start and finish will be in the vicinity of Gould Island rather near Fort Adams, and the awards party is on Sunday, June 1, at Bristol Yacht Club.

“These changes give boats from the upper Bay easier access to the race,” said Pat Kennedy, who co-chairs the event with his IYAC partner Mick Harvey, “and having the awards party a day later gives everyone a bit of breathing room, so they don’t have to be rushed after getting their boats back home and put away. They can simply rally the next evening to join in the camaraderie and merrymaking at Bristol Yacht Club.”

All crew members are welcome to the Sunday awards party at no charge. And, on the Saturday after racing, the IYAC will host a competitor’s gathering (also free) to celebrate the day of racing.
Funds raised will be donated to the R.I. Community Food Bank, which provides food to over 84,000 Rhode Islanders a month through its network of 147 member agencies. This year, in response to an unprecedented need, the food bank will distribute over 16 million pounds of foods to our neighbors in need.

Fund-raising regatta

Skippers are encouraged to make a minimum $250 donation to the food bank at a direct link posted on the IYAC’s and food bank’s websites. (To be credited to a certain team, the team name should appear in the reference line.)

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 food bank.

The Rhody Regatta is open to all cruising/racing yachts with or without a 2025 PHRF of Narragansett Bay handicap. The fleet will be divided into handicap and one-design classes according to rating and other factors at the discretion of the IYAC Race Management.

Registration: https://bit.ly/3DBJHpV. “Just Giving” fund raising link: https://bit.ly/RhodyGiving.
For more information: https://iyacnewport.com/ or email IYACNPT@gmail.com or mick@mickharveyyachting.com.