SOUTHOLD, NY – The Southold Yacht Club announced today that it has been selected to host the 2024 Peconic Gardiners Junior Sailing Association (PGJSA) Championships.
The Optimist, Laser and C420 fleets will compete in a series of races around markers in the open waters of Southold Bay, bringing together a community of the region's top sailors. Participants ages 8 to 18 qualify for the Aug. 15 event by competing in regattas attended throughout the summer by member clubs Breakwater, Devon, Mattituck, Old Cove, Orient, Shelter Island, Shinnecock, Southampton and Southold Yacht Clubs. Spectators will be able to enjoy the race from both land and water.
PGJSA's mission is to promote the Corinthian spirit of sailing by supporting sailors in youth member sailing programs on the East End of Long Island. Chairman of the organization Brian Burke said: “We are delighted that this year's championship regatta will be held at Southold Yacht Club. Sailing conditions in Southold Bay can be amazing for both beginners and advanced sailors.”
Adjacent to Goose Creek Beach in Southold, the Southold Yacht Club has been a center for sailing and boating on the North Fork of Long Island for more than 85 years. It is a family and volunteer oriented club with a summer Junior Sailing Program that offers a variety of instructional courses for young people ranging from first time sailing to competitive racing. Located on a long sandy beach, the club is the ideal location for regattas for children and adults.
“We expect over a hundred sailors from nine clubs to take part,” said Burke. “After a summer of competing on the water week after week, the awards ceremony and barbecue has become a tradition that participants look forward to every year.”
