Hobie 16 racing teams from around the country and world will come to Navarre Beach, September 10-14, to claim the title of national champion. Sixty-seven teams are currently registered for the five-day regatta. The notice of race and registration forms are available online.
A Special Olympics mini regatta will be held Wed., Sept. 12 at 11:30 a.m. to benefit Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties Special Olympics sailing team. Division 15 chairman and regatta organizer, Michael McNeir, with the help of the Santa Rosa County Tourism Development Office, purchased a set of Hobie 16 sails to present to the Special Olympics Sailing Cub. These sails will be clearly seen flying the Navarre Beach and Special Olympics logos during the event. The sails have been traveling to states as far away as New York for regattas to promote the area and will continue to until next spring when they will be given to the Special Olympics Sailing Club.
Also on Wednesday, the Emerald Coast Plein Air Painters will be on site, painting scenes of of the colorful catamarans on the beach and water. The paintings will be made available for purchase.
On Thursday evening, Sept. 13, a special 20th year remembrance will be held in honor of the local world class sailor Carlton Tucker. The Hobie Cat company will present the national Carlton Tucker Award for good sportsmanship.
Not a sailor but want to watch? The best viewing for the races will be from the deck at Juana’s Pagoda, 1451 Navarre Beach Causeway on Navarre Beach.
