A Cat Call Regatta, aka Hobie Midwinters East, was recently brought to Clermont. The three-day Regatta was held on Lake Minneola beginning on Friday, March 4 at 10 am, and ended March 6 at 5 pm.
The weather was perfect for sailing. Thirty-three boats from across the nation participated in the Regatta. Sailors came from across the country, as far away as California to compete in the race. There were Hobies, Hobie Waves and regular boats. Clermont Sailing Center sailors participated as crew members for the more experienced sailors.
Stacey Uptain-Smith, Clermont Yacht Club Founder and Director noted, “One of our members participating was a young 13-year-old girl, Izabel Cuevas, who went through our learn to sail program about 5 years ago and has been sailing with us ever since. She was awarded a learn to sail “scholarship” and selected by her principal to receive the scholarship. Izabel learned to sail on an Optimist sailboat and has gradually moved up in boat classes. Her parents were surprised she would even be interested in sailing and never thought it would stick. She loves to sail”.
After the racing on Friday evening, the sailors enjoyed Downtown Clermont First Friday festivities. On Saturday, they enjoyed a BBQ dinner and, the event sadly ended on Sunday afternoon.
If you missed this year’s regetta, the group will be back next year.
The club meets every Sunday at the Clermont Sailing Center at 1050 Victory Way, to sail as a group between the hours of 12 pm -3 pm.
The club is growing and membership information is available by reaching out through their Facebook page or on their website at http://www.clermontsailingcenter.org/
Take time to enjoy the beautiful lakes and, perhaps, become a sailor.
(Some of the photos provided by the Clermont Sailing Center)
