Ready, Set, Sail: Rhody Regatta Sets the Course for Narragansett Bay's Eagerly Anticipated 2026 Racing Season

With an electrifying energy that can only signal the beginning of a new spring, the fourth annual Rhody Regatta is gearing up to launch the 2026 sailing season on Narragansett Bay. Hosted by the International Yacht and Athletic Club (IYAC), the regatta is set to take place on the last Saturday of May, offering sailors a thrilling canvas for sporting prowess, while also making a significant impact on the wider community. This year, the event will be supporting the indispensable work of Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island, an organization providing vital meals and much-needed support to homebound seniors and persons in need across the region.

The regatta’s course is a single, adrenaline-boosting 18-mile lap around Conanicut Island, known by locals as Jamestown. Combining wide-open water stretches and more strategic shoreline sailing, it provides a varied and hence captivating challenge for all participants. Set near Fort Adams, the start and finish line places racers right into the beating heart of Newport’s illustrious sailing history.

Open to all Cruising/Racing Yachts, whether or not they possess a 2026 PHRF of Narragansett Bay handicap, the event promises a wide field of contestants. The fleet will be split into handicap and one-design classes, the balancing act decided by IYAC’s experienced Race Management.

As an official US SAILING-affiliated club, IYAC has a well-established reputation for serving as the locals’ favorite sailors’ bar. It is renowned for hosting several area regattas for a wide sweep of boats, from nimble sport boats to commanding Maxi yachts, thereby enriching the regional racing calendar. The NOR and registration links are expected to be released on yachtscoring.com shortly. For more information, stay tuned to iyacnewport.com.