Great water sports and the state of Florida go hand-in-hand. There are plenty of motorized aquatic sports to attend, but there’s fun to be had at one of our state’s many world-renowned sailing regattas. If you haven’t been before, a regatta is a competitive sailing event consisting of a series of races or matches between boats of different classes or types.
Regattas are a great way to enjoy sailing and meet others, who, like you, enjoy the sport. The thrills of watching these wind and manpower crafts glide across the waves shouldn’t be missed. Below is a quick rundown of a few sailing regattas happening across the coast in 2023.
Buccaneer Blast Regatta
Key Largo, Florida
February 3–5, 2023
Rowell’s Waterfront Park
This youth sailing champion annual hosted by the Upper Keys Sailing is a great introduction to sailing regattas. The race features smaller crafts like optimist, laser, and 420 clubs. Besides the great racing, there are several social activities planned, like welcome cocktails and a raffle event. There are also opportunities to sponsor the event, helping the young sailors of today and tomorrow.
2023 Valentine’s Day Regatta
St. Petersburg, Florida
February 10–12, 2023
St. Petersburg Yacht Club
Another great place to kick off a year of watching great sailing competition is right here at the Valentine’s Day Regatta in St. Petersburg. The event is being hosted at the prestigious St. Petersburg Yacht Club, which has been the site of various national and international regattas. The outstanding races and picturesque views offer a lot for anyone interested in a nontraditional romantic Valentine’s weekend.
Sarasota Bay Multi Hull Regatta
Sarasota, Florida
March 3–5, 2023
Sarasota Sailing Squadron
Hosted by the Sarasota Sailing Squadron, this series of races is a part of the 2023 Corsair Nationals. The regatta will host over 20 trimarans to compete across beautiful Sarasota Bay. Also on hand are Stiletto, Windrider, Wetas and a variety of other catamarans and trimarans.
St. Johns Tourist Development Council Youth Sailing Regatta
St. Augustine, Florida
March 18–19, 2023
St. Augustine Yacht Club
Those with an appreciation for history will marvel as crafts venture in and around iconic landmarks such as the Castillo de San Marcos and the Bridge of Lions in beautiful St. Augustine. This regatta is taking place in a protected saltwater venue, where sailors will compete in challenging conditions as spectators cheer them on from the waterfront viewing area.
75th Annual Labor Day Regatta
Sarasota, Florida
September 1, 2023
Sarasota Sailing Squadron
This event is one of the oldest and continuously held regattas in the southeast, having been held annual on Labor Day weekend since 1946. Last year, over 200 sailors attended and participated in the event and festivities. The diamond anniversary looks to be something special in 2023.
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