Tenth Annual Stonewall Sails Regatta Returns June 29

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Northeast’s Only Gay and Lesbian Regatta Coincides with NYC Pride

Knickerbocker Sailing Association (KSA) today announced that the 10^th Annual Stonewall Sails Regatta, the Northeast’s gay and lesbian regatta, will be held on Saturday, June 29. Coinciding with New York City’s Pride festivities, the regatta will take place at Hudson River Community Sailing (Pier 66 Boathouse, W. 26^th St. & 12^th Ave.). Funds raised will benefit Hudson River Community Sailing, which provides sailing education to underserved youth of New York City.

The regatta will begin with a breakfast at 9:00 a.m., followed by the boat launch at 10:00 a.m. Boat racing will take place from 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on the Hudson River, between 20^th and 29^th Streets. The day will culminate with an awards ceremony and dock party at 7:00 p.m. at Newport Marina (500 Washington Blvd., Jersey City, NJ). 

“In this 44^th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, which New York City Pride celebrates, the Stonewall Sails Regatta still remains a unique and exciting spectator event, now in its tenth year,” commented Michael Christl, regatta chairman.   

The regatta will utilize up to eight J/24 sailboats, which will be assigned by a lottery at the skipper’s meeting that morning. Defined by the International Sailing Federation, the J/24 is an international “one-design” keelboat, which recreational sailors use for cruising, day sailing and racing.

“Our organization has become well known, especially in the GLBT community, as we have been represented at Gay Games in Chicago and Australia,” finished Christl. “We will also participate in the 2014 Gay Games in Cleveland.”

The number of races will be determined by weather conditions on the day of the race. Attendees can sponsor boats that compete in the regatta; those funds will be donated to Hudson River Community Sailing. To sponsor a boat, visit http://hudsonsailing.org/2013stonewall. 

About Knickerbocker Sailing Association

Established in 1994 by 13 friends from New York City, KSA is a non-profit gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender and their friends sailing club. Members do not need sailing experience to join, as KSA promotes sailing and boat safety. With over 200 active members, the organization also sponsors special events, such as Flotillas, and other charitable events throughout the year. Follow @KSAsailing on Twitter and on Facebook or visit www.ksasailing.org to learn more. 

About Hudson River Community Sailing

Hudson River Community Sailing, a non-profit organization, develops academic success and leadership for underserved New York City youth through sailing education and providing maritime recreation to the community at large. Visit http://hudsonsailing.org/ .