MOUNT DORA REGATTA SETS SAIL ON MARCH 28

ABOVE: Mount Dora Sailing Regatta (Photo by Ingrid Zagers, Z.ePhotography)

Once again, colorful sails will gracefully litter Lake Dora this weekend.  The 67th Annual Mount Dora Sailing Regatta is expected to draw dozens of boats over the two-day event beginning March 28.
   
The races are spread over three courses across a portion of Lake Dora to take advantage of the wind and provide ample space for competitive races.   All ages are invited to participate.  

The Regatta is open to all classes, including Optis, Lasers, 420s, Flying Scots, Hunters, Open Bics, Sunfish, Hobies, Wayfarers, and Catalinas. For boats without the four needed to form a class, Portsmouth races will be run.

The first race typically kicks off Saturday at 12:30 p.m. and the last race typically finishes close to 4 p.m.   Typically, three to four races will be sailed that afternoon, depending on the weather. Simpson Cove, Lighthouse Point, and Palm Island Boardwalk provide excellent vantage points for spectators.  Sunday's first race starts at 9:30 a.m. and no races begin after noon.

The regatta, organized by Mount Dora Yacht Club (MDYC) is the  longest running annual event in the city.  MDYC, the oldest inland yacht club in Florida, held its first regatta in 1913.    At that time the event featured powerboats and was reportedly such an exciting event that local businesses closed so everyone could attend.  In 1953, the regatta transitioned to sailboats to alleviate a noise issue.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, this month, click here.  Discover the area's online entertainment calendar here. Also download the area's free mobile app.  ​​​​

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