Fair Haven Sailing Organization's Junior Sailors Win At Summer Regatta

FAIR HAVEN, NJ — The Fair Haven River Rats, a local nonprofit sailing organization, is celebrating its junior sailors following their strong performances in this year’s Junior Sweepstakes Regatta, which took place from Aug. 4-7.

Also known as “Junior Sweeps,” the regatta is a four-day sailing event for junior sailors that alternates between the Shrewsbury Sailing & Yacht Club (SSYC) and Monmouth Boat Club (MBC), with the first two days at SSYC on the Shrewsbury River and the final two days at MBC on the Navesink River.

The event features races for sailors from various local clubs, including the Monmouth Boat Club, the Shrewsbury River Yacht Club, Atlantic Highlands Yacht Club, Keyport Yacht Club, Rumson Yacht Club, and Fair Having Sailing Club (AKA River Rats).

For this year’s regatta, 50 young sailors participated with the boats sailed on race day including Optis, Lasers and 420s.

River Rats’ Alfred John Schiavetti (also known as “A.J.” to his friends) of Fair Haven took first place in the Laser Division, officials said.

“By all accounts, A.J. is an amazing sailor and an example to others in the organization,” Skipper Jill Lynch said. “We are beaming with pride, of course. This is a wonderful victory and also reinforces sailing as a great tool for personal growth and development.”

Also furthering River Rats’ fame is Miles Kolarsick, 13, of Middletown, who earned a second-place finish in the Opti Red Division.

His parents, Karl and Jessica, said they couldn’t be prouder and noted that Miles, who has been involved in sailing for four years, loves it.

“Conversations in our home revolve around sailing and what happens at River Rats,” Karl said. "We recently purchased Miles his own Opti, and he even encouraged his sister, Alice, to try sailing for the first time this season. The program at River Rats is a great way to hone problem-solving skills.”

Jimmy Stigliano, of Fair Haven, and Logan Demsack, of Middletown, also competed for River Rats with a strong showing in the regatta, officials said.

Stigliano placed sixth in the Opti White Division, and Demsack finished eighth out of a field of 16, sailing a 420.

“They are rising stars for sure and youth sailors to watch out for,” Skipper Jill said.

To learn more about the Fair Haven River Rats, you can visit their website.

The Fair Haven River Rats are located at 120 Battin Road, Fair Haven.

Editor's Note: This article has been updated with specific division names for races and a specific number for how many young sailors participated in the regatta.