Atwood Yacht Club announces 75th annual Atwood Harvest Moon Regatta

Atwood Yacht Club announced the 75th annual Atwood Harvest Moon Regatta, a milestone event taking place Friday, Sept. 5 through Sunday, Sept. 7. This sailing event draws competitors and families from across the region and beyond for a weekend of racing, camaraderie and celebration on the inland waters of Atwood Lake.

The Atwood Harvest Moon Regatta traces its roots to 1950, when the Atwood Yacht Club held its first official regatta following its 1948 incorporation. The club was born out of a vision by Judge Frank F. Cope, who launched Atwood Lake’s first sailboat in 1939. Since then the club has grown into a sailing community and a member of both the Ohio Inter-Club Yachting Association and U.S. Sailing Association.

This year’s regatta will feature competitive racing for Thistle, Highlander, MC Scow and Cruising JAM fleets. Awards will be presented on Sunday to the top three finishers in each fleet, along with special awards for top women sailors and MC Scow sailors in Master (50-59), Grand Master (60-69) and Youth divisions.

Sailing on Atwood Lake is a true test of skill, known for its frequent wind shifts and unpredictable breezes. Many crews are family-based, making it an atmosphere for sailors of all ages.

The Atwood Harvest Moon Regatta is a full-weekend experience. Sailors, crew and their families can swim in the club’s new pool, get meals and hear live entertainment throughout the weekend. Spectators will find photo opportunities, with colorful spinnakers, close finishes and the scenic backdrop of Atwood Lake.

To mark the 75th anniversary, Atwood Yacht Club's microbrewery will debut a limited-edition commemorative ale, a revival of AYC’s Main Sail Ale, a favorite among club members and sailors who have attended the regatta over the years.

This year's regatta also will be recognized as a Clean Regatta through the Atwood Yacht Club’s partnership with Sailors for the Sea. In a commitment to sustainability, AYC is reducing single-use plastics by providing refillable water stations, reusable beer cups and plastic-free dinnerware throughout the event.

For 75 years the Atwood Harvest Moon Regatta has embodied the spirit of inland sailing, community and tradition.

Visit www.atwoodyachtclub.com/harvestmoon or www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577928111265&mibextid=wwXIfr.