The Inter-Lake Yachting Association, a vital association of clubs founded in 1885 and the oldest yacht club association in the country proudly announces its 115th Annual Regatta. The I-LYA is international and one of the largest boating associations today, with 140 member yacht clubs serving 70,000 boaters located in states that surround Lake Erie (Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York and Ontario, Canada). Its party is sure to be a premier destination for all types of boaters, regardless of experience, gender or age. This annual event will again be held at the North Coast's most fun and unique vacation destination, Put-In-Bay, Ohio. Put-in-Bay, located on South Bass Island, is often referred to as Key West of the North. Like its Southern sister, Put-in-Bay is a playground for grown-ups, with more than enough to see and do for the entire family. It all starts with the Junior Regatta, one of the stepping-stones in the national competitions. 200 I-LYA junior sailors will compete in a variety of classes, with top finishers advancing to the U.S. Sailing Association semifinals. Strongly supported by the I-LYA Yachtsmens' Fund, this program produces some of the finest juniors in the world. All eyes will be on one of the program's former champions, Anna Tunnicliffe , as she competes in the Laser Radial class at the 2008 Olympic Games in Qingdao, China. To synergize its energy, the I-LYA offers the overlapping scheduling of the traditional Deepwater Races—August 1 and 2--and the Powerboat Regatta--July 30 to Aug 3. The Junior Sailing Regatta will take place from July 13-17, and the 2008 event will end with a flourish with the Senior Sailing Regatta—August 3-6. More than 100 boats annually participate in the Power Boat Regatta. Four full days of friendly competition and parties will satisfy everyone. A few go for people watching, but many compete for burgees and island wine in some subset of the boating skills contests (weather predicting, compass navigation, chicane, docking contests, flying mile, inflatable racing, canoe racing and predicted logging). Onshore activities include the East vs. West volleyball and softball games, adult Putt-Putt and a golf cart decorating contest. Don't forget to plan time for parties, the formal as well the informal ones that just seem to materialize on the docks. Just as for last year, the Senior Sailing Regatta begins after the I-LYA's Deepwater Races arrive at Put-in-Bay from Buffalo, Cleveland, Toledo, Sandusky, Port Clinton and Detroit. Other competing boats (members of the U.S. Sailing Association's Yacht Racing Association clubs, Sailing Associations and Class Associations, as well as those invited by I-LYA) will sail into Put-in-Bay harbor for more than a dozen trophies. There is always something for everyone, from highly experienced racers to Casual Cruising Class sailors, despite limited or no racing experience. The fun doesn't stop at the water's edge. South Bass Island offers opportunities for shopping, dining, sightseeing, or choosing from the many types of outdoor recreation. Start at the Perry Monument, and then tour the island by bike, golf cart or a tour train. Parasail from the downtown Boardwalk Dock, find “buried treasure” in Perry's Cave, while individuals seeking rest and relaxation can simply lean back against one of the old oaks or maples in DeRivera Park and enjoy the sights and sounds. The island invites guests to stay the week in a wide range of accommodations that include hundreds of hotel rooms, several bed and breakfast ins, motels, condos and cottages. For more information on Put-in-Bay, search with any browser or start at the Chamber of Commerce website. |
I-LYA Bay Weeks Regatta Schedule Jr. Sail - July 13 - July 17; 2008 |