By Barby McGowan
The fourth annual Rhody Regatta, hosted by the International Yacht and Athletic Club (IYAC) on Saturday, May 30, will help kick off the 2026 sailing season on Narragansett Bay.
Designed to combine spirited competition with meaningful community impact, the event this year benefits Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island, which provides nutritious meals and essential support services to homebound seniors and individuals in need throughout the region.
“The Rhody Regatta has quickly established itself as a favorite early-season test,” said Mick Harvey, who co-chairs the event with IYAC co-owner Pat Kennedy. “It’s the perfect way to tune up boats and crews after the offseason while supporting a cause that makes a real difference in our community.”
The Rhody Regatta features a single 18-mile course circumnavigating Jamestown (also known as Conanicut Island), offering a dynamic mix of open-water legs and tactical shoreline sailing. The start and finish area will be set near Fort Adams, placing the fleet squarely in the heart of Newport’s storied sailing grounds.
Eligibility and format
The Rhody Regatta is open to all Cruising/Racing Yachts, with or without a 2026 PHRF of Narragansett Bay handicap. The fleet will be divided into handicap and one-design classes according to rating and other factors at the discretion of IYAC Race Management.
More about IYAC
The International Yacht and Athletic Club serves as Newport’s favorite sailors’ bar and is an official US SAILING-affiliated club with registered members. The IYAC Race Committee runs several area regattas for everything from sport boats to Maxi yachts, contributing significantly to the region’s vibrant racing calendar.
Registration and information
The NOR and registration links on yachtscoring.com will be posted shortly. For more information, visit iyacnewport.com or email [email protected] or [email protected].
Mark your calendars!
The inaugural edition of the New York Yacht Club Women’s International Championship will take place September 12 to 19, 2026, at the New York Yacht Club Harbour Court in Newport, R.I.
The regatta will utilize the Club’s fleet of 20 IC37s. The 37-foot keelboat was designed by Mark Mills to a brief developed by the Club. The IC37 is a powerful, sporty platform that rewards cohesive crew work and athleticism.
The event features two days of mandatory practice and five days of racing. Impressive shore-side social activities on the new Harbour Court waterfront along with a formal prize giving banquet will create a truly memorable regatta experience.
The 2026 New York Yacht Club Women’s International Regatta is supported by founding partner Rolex.
Contact the Sailing Office with any questions.
Photo: Scott Trauth
When the temperatures drop, Rhode Island’s most dedicated sailors rise to the challenge. Every Sunday from November through April, Laser Fleet 413 turns Newport Harbor into a high-energy arena for frostbiting—a winter sailing tradition built on adrenaline, teamwork, and pure sailing grit.
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to sail when the air is crisp, the harbor is calm, and the competition is fierce, this is your invitation to join the action.
Frostbiting isn’t for the faint of heart—it’s for sailors who love the sport enough to brave the elements and keep racing all winter long. Fleet 413 delivers tight competition, strong camaraderie, and some of the most unforgettable sailing of the year.
To keep the fun safe and fast-paced, the fleet follows a simple “20/20 rule”:
If you’re ready to push your limits (and your boat), this is the fleet for you.
Winter sailing demands respect for the elements, so Fleet 413 has clear safety rules to keep everyone protected:
All sailors must wear life jackets at all times—no exceptions.
Wetsuits, drysuits, neoprene gloves, hats, layers—you’re responsible for showing up prepared.
Competitors assume responsibility for their own safety and must indemnify and hold harmless Sail Newport and Fleet 413.
Borrowing a fleet boat? You’re responsible for any damage and must report missing or broken parts immediately.
Fleet 413 keeps winter races efficient, competitive, and fun.
All sailors meet at Newport Yacht Club by 11:30 AM to rig boats and help with race committee duties.
Courses are sailed in the inner harbor and announced verbally before each start. (Tip: Listen carefully—failure to hear the course isn’t grounds for redress!)
Starts are typically signaled with automated systems, keeping everything clean and consistent.
No race will start within 30 minutes of sundown, ensuring safe daylight sailing.
Each Sunday counts as a standalone race day. Your weekly finish affects your place in the overall season standings, with a few throw-outs to keep the competition tight.
Racing follows the Racing Rules of Sailing, just like any other competitive regatta.
You may need to register for the season—reaching out to the organizers ahead of time is recommended.
Season dues help cover gear, boat maintenance, and race committee fuel. Boat storage at Sail Newport may involve an additional fee.
One of the best parts of Frostbite Sailing? The warm-up afterward. The fleet encourages sailors to stick around, share snacks, swap stories, and keep the community spirit alive.
Ready to jump in, get back on the water, or try frostbiting for the first time?
Fleet 413 welcomes sailors who are enthusiastic, responsible, and ready for fun.
For specific event details, refer to the latest Notice of Race and Sailing Instructions documents available on the Laser Fleet 413 website: https://www.newportlaserfleet.org/
