The Riverside Regatta is an annual sailboat race on Lake Evans in Fairmount Park. Local politicians, former sailing school students, and organizations donate for the right to participate. Funds raised help offset the tuition costs for The Riverside Community Sailing Program’s (RCSP) Summerscool youth sailing classes.
The Riverside Community Sailing Program stores and maintains the fleet of Sabot sailboats used in the race at the Isaak Walton House on the North Shore of the Lake. Sabot boats are known for their simplicity, durability, and light weight. This common boat is used for children’s regattas around the world.
Boating on the lake is not often seen now but was once an everyday activity. This event intends to highlight boating on the lake and the opportunity for local youth to register for sailing classes offered by RCSP. Linda Lawyer with the Sailing Program touts the virtues of the hobby. “Success in sailing does not depend on size, strength, or athletic prowess. It depends on the focus on the boat, the wind, and the water. Sailing promotes self-confidence, sportsmanship, and teamwork. Sailing is a fun experience for a lifetime of enjoyment.”
2024 is Lake Evans’s hundredth anniversary, and Riverside City Parks would like to use this milestone to expand the Regatta spectator base and awareness of the program. The race takes place from 4 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 8. It is free to attend and can be observed from anywhere on the shore of Lake Evans.
For more information on the Riverside Regatta, RCSP, and the Summerscool sailing classes, visit riversidesailing.org or the Riverside Parks Department Instagram.
Riverside’s Alternative Gift Fair showcases handmade treasures that support local and global causes, blending creativity with compassion this holiday season.
