Laser Mid-Winters East Regatta

Big Pier 60, 1 Causeway Blvd, Clearwater, FL | Get Directions »
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Clearwater Yacht Club Hosts 200 Sailors, Coaches and Judges for the 2013 Laser Mid-Winters East Regatta

Gulf Waters off of Clearwater Beach, Florida  - Beginning Thursday, February 21 and running through Sunday, February 24, the 2013 Laser Mid-Winters East regatta expects over 160 sailors, 20 coaches and 12 international judges.  This is the 13th consecutive year that this important international level competition has been hosted by Clearwater Yacht Club and held in our local waters.  While some competitors are local, sailors come from all over the US as well as 15 other nations.  There typically have been between 150-200 sailors each year. 

    “It takes many volunteers to host such a major regatta,” says this year’s regatta organizer Clearwater Yacht Club Past Commodore Dick Boblenz.  “This year’s effort includes 50 race committee and 20 safety volunteers for each of the four days, with many volunteers committing to the entire four day regatta.  Before the sailors take to the water, 27 registration volunteers get the competitors checked in.”    Sailors will be divided up into five fleets of up to 50 boats per fleet and sail a trapezoid shaped course.  Their competition area will be approximately one mile north of Clearwater Pass and one mile west of Clearwater Beach.  The regatta will be visible from Pier 60.  The sailors will launch daily from Clearwater Community Sailing Center on Sand Key. 

Results, with daily updates, can be found at http://www.clwyc.org/aspx/blob2/blobpage.aspx?msgid=1100079

Lasers are a single crew 15 foot single sailboat.  The three categories relate to the rigs – meaning the sail size, Full Rig, Laser Radials, and 4.7s. 

About Clearwater Yacht Club:  Founded in 1911, Clearwater Yacht Club is one of the oldest yacht clubs in the United States.  Located at 830 South Bayway Blvd., on South Clearwater Beach, the club is a beloved gathering spot for avid boaters, with easy, quick access to the Gulf of Mexico.  Home to local Olympians Zach and Paige Railey, Clearwater Yacht Club enjoys a reputation for warm hospitality, world-class sailing and outstanding dining.  For more information, please call 727-447-6000.