14th Clagett Regatta Underway in Newport

NEWPORT, RI—The 14th C. Thomas Clagett, Jr. Memorial Clinic and Regatta got underway in the water off Newport on Thursday with 22 sailors from Canada, the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico joining sailors from Florida, Rhode Island, New Jersey and Connecticut for two days of racing beginning Friday.

"It's wonderful to see so many people back again for the 14th Clagett. We have many people to thank for all their support of The Clagett, our sponsors, volunteers, local businesses and local yacht clubs all who continue each year to help The Clagett achieve our mission," said Clagett co-founder and President Judy McLennan.

That mission is to "assist sailors in realizing their potential on the water by providing them both the knowledge and tools to improve their skills and the opportunity to use these skills in competition," McLennan said. "We have a number of initiatives in place this year including helmets for use by the sailors."

Sailors took to the water today at Sail Newport in Fort Adams State Park for a clinic day. Working with Clagett Head Coach Betsy Alison (Newport, RI), coaches Nancy Haberland (Annapolis, MD), and Brian Todd (Nova Scotia, Canada), conducted a theory session on the shore before taking the 15 2.4mR sailors and the two Sonar's out on the water for the afternoon.

During the Clagett, sailors work with the coaches and put their skills to the test over the three days of competition.

"I've attended at least 10 Clagett regattas and this is a must do event each year for me. I started out at The Clagett in the Sonar and moved over to the 2.4mR class after a couple of years, I always enjoy sailing at The Clagett", remarked Clagett 2.4mR sailor Charlie Rosenfield (Woodstock, CT).

For more information about The Clagett visit : www.clagettregatta.org or follow the Clagett on Instagram @clagett_regatta or on Facebook Clagett Regatta.