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 Evelyn Thompson, Mary Lang, Deb Burrington (Mills), 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 420s 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 2026 Blackbeard Gurganus One Design Regatta - RESULTS!.

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