Bayview Yacht Club's Inaugural One-Design Regatta Wins Regatta Award By US Sailing

DETROIT, MI, February 03, 2013 (Press-News.org) The Bayview Yacht Club, one of the of the most storied and historical sailing club's in the world, announced it was recently awarded, the Regatta Award by the US Sailing One-Design Council, for its inaugural Bayview One-Design Regatta. The award was presented at The Cleveland Yachting Club in Rocky River, Ohio during the US Sailing One-Design Symposium.

The first annual Bayview One-Design Regatta, held May 31 through June 3, 2012, included three race circles on Lake St. Clair and a fourth race area directly in front of the Club on the Detroit River. The regatta, which replaced a longstanding event, presented a number of new options for racing sailors, such as a choice between two- or three-days of racing. The 2012 regatta witnessed an increase in participation by more than 100 boats (from 101 to 208) from the previous year's event and with approximately, 1,000 sailors taking part in the racing. The boats spanned 20 different classes.

"This recognition from US Sailing is a testament to the hard work of the Bayview Board of Governors, 2012 race chairmen Hanson Bratton and Karl Kuspa, all our members, more than 150 volunteers and especially our great staff at Bayview Yacht Club. We are incredibly honored to win this prestigious award, especially in light of this being the first year in hosting this event," said Kent Colpaert, 2013 Bayview Yacht Club Commodore. "This was a regatta the competitors and spectators truly enjoyed and we anticipate with the additions and improvements we have planned for this year, the 2013 regatta will be an even bigger success."

One of the highlights of the Bayview One-Design Regatta was the addition of several dinghy classes, such as Lightnings, Thistles, Wayfarers, and Rebels. In addition, exhibition racing by the International Moth high performance sailboats was provided on the Detroit River, right in front of the Club. This allowed spectators a spectacular view, as well as being a showcase for the boats, sailors and a number of new onshore activities. In addition to new sailing formats, sailors and spectators were treated to lowered entry fees, discounted food and drink specials.

"I knew our Bayview One-Design Regatta, also known as the BOD, would be a superior event, but never imagined that in our first year we would be so successful," said Bratton. " I would like to thank our sponsors Bells' Beer, Acura, Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort, Mount Gay Rum and North Sails for their support. I would like to give a special mention to Crescent Sail Yacht Club for all their assistance in helping put on this event. We are looking forward to working with all of them again this year."

According to 2013 Bayview Race Chairman Bradford Kimmel, "This year's event is expected to have increased onshore events and attract more that 250 boats from across the county."

For more on Bayview Yacht Club and the 2013 One Design Regatta, please visit http://www.byc.com.

The Bayview Yacht Club, founded in 1915, is located on the Detroit River, which is connected to Lake St. Clair. Its pure sailing essence is cultivated by two harbors with over 100 berths and a crane for launching boats up to 50 feet. With an 8,000 sq. ft. clubhouse that has been called a shrine to nautical culture, the club also has a separate small-boat sailing center. Lake St. Clair, spanning 26 miles from north to south and about 24 miles from east to west, is between Lake Huron (to its north) and Lake Erie (to its south).