2026 Gurganus Regatta/Clark Series

Gurganus Regatta Brings Sailors Together Despite Light Winds

The Gurganus Regatta, held August 22-23, drew a solid fleet of 21 boats—including Sunfish, Wayfarers, San Juan spin, and an open class—but the wind proved far less cooperative than the competitors.

Saturday left sailors eager to hit the water, only to face an onshore postponement. Race officers ultimately canceled racing after recording an average wind speed of about 0.4 knots,

with occasional wild gusts of just 2 to 4 knots. As the fleet packed up, rain arrived and sent everyone scrambling for cover.

The day’s true highlight came ashore. The shoreside team of Mary Lang, Ellen Thompson, Janet Hikes, and others prepared a wonderful comfort-food dinner featuring the creamiest mac ’n cheese many sailors could remember. It was topped off with pounds of fresh steamed green beans that Janet had hand-snapped herself the night before. Fellowship and fun filled the evening and morning breakfasts—thank you, to the whole shoreside crew.

Sunday delivered sunshine and light but usable winds, giving the race committee a chance to make up for lost time. The first race for the Wayfarers managed only about 200 yards before the breeze died completely, forcing a recall. After a short postponement, pressure finally filled in and the fleet completed three races in the variable light air.

Awards were presented later that afternoon. Full results are available (insert link).

The regatta also closed out the Clark Series for the year, which included the Cinco de Mayo, Bill Jarvis One Design, and Gurganus regattas. High-point racers were Peter Thorn (Wayfarer), Tinka Talbert and Clare Brock (San Juan), and AnnMarie Covington (Wayfarer). Overall series winner was Jude Brown (Sunfish).