The Centrals Regatta

Because It’s More Than a Regatta — It’s a Tradition

For nearly a century, the Centrals have brought together the best of Central and Western New York sailing. Today, that tradition continues on the waters of Great Sodus Bay, hosted by Sodus Bay Junior Sailing Association in partnership with Sodus Bay Yacht Club.

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Centrals is run by an experienced race committee and safety team. Multiple safety boats, clearly defined race courses, organized launch and retrieval procedures, and structured scoring provide a safe and well-managed event.

Your sailor competes in an environment that mirrors major regattas — but close to home.

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Centrals gives young sailors exposure to:

• Multi-fleet racing (Opti, ILCA/Laser, 420, Sunfish, Lightning, and more)

• Large starting lines

• Timed race sequences

• Protest procedures

• Awards and formal recognition

It’s the ideal stepping stone before traveling to larger events like the U.S. Sailing Junior Olympics or national championships.

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Your sailor will meet competitors from Youngstown, Rochester, Olcott, Canandaigua, Seneca, Skaneateles, Ithaca, Henderson Harbor, Fair Haven, and beyond.

They learn to:

• Travel and represent their home club

• Compete respectfully

• Build friendships across programs

• Gain independence in a supervised setting

These are life skills that extend far beyond the waterfront.

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Whether your child is entering their first major regatta or preparing for higher-level competition, Centrals provides:

• A structured competitive environment

• Exposure to higher-performance sailors

• Motivation to improve

• A clear pathway toward events like the Sears Cup, Bemis Trophy, and Smythe Trophy

Many future instructors, counselors, and collegiate sailors look back at Centrals as a pivotal moment in their development.