Ya Gotta Regatta

Celebrating this season. Funding the next.

Ya Gotta Regatta (YGR) is more than just a day on the water - it's a vibrant celebration where our community comes together to celebrate a season of impact - and help power what comes next. From racers and cruisers to adaptive sailors, Young Mariners, camp families, instructors, and volunteers, YGR showcases the people and programs that make the Downtown Sailing Center so special.

This year's event holds special meaning as we honor the memory of George "Kirk" Culbertson, the Downtown Sailing Center's first Executive Director, creator of the inaugural Ya Gotta Regatta, and a visionary leader whose passion for access, inclusion, and community helped shape the DSC into what it is today. Many of the programs, traditions, and values that define our organization can be traced back to Kirk's belief that sailing should be available to everyone.

As we gather on the water this year, we celebrate not only a remarkable season, but also the legacy of those who built this community and the future we are creating together.

Everyone belongs. Everyone is welcome.
Come celebrate with us. Support the programs that make it all possible.

Countdown to September 18^th
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Ya Gotta Regatta Race information

Adaptive Racing

Ya Gotta Regatta features two adaptive fleets: Hansa 303W and Sonar 23. Hansa sailors must have previous racing experience in order to participate. A skipper and/or crew can be provided for Sonar racers.

J/22 One-Design

The J/22 one-design fleet races with spinnakers. Teams are randomly assigned one of the DSC's J/22s. Teams must create an online fundraising team with a suggested goal of $100/ft or $2200 for each J/22.

PHRF Pursuit Race

The pursuit race is open to all sailboats. Boats without a valid PHRF of the Chesapeake certificate shall be assigned a PHRF rating at the discretion of the DSC. The suggested fundraising goal is $100/ft.

Volunteer

Whether you can pitch in for a full day, or only a couple of hours, there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer both on and off the water. No experience is necessary for many roles and we appreciate any help you can give!

Ya Gotta Regatta Fundraising

First and foremost, Ya Gotta Regatta is a fundraiser and celebration of our mission. The money raised at YGR helps make our programming possible all year long! There are many ways you can help us achieve our goal:

Make a Donation

Every gift - large or small - helps keep sailing open to everyone.

Your support funds youth scholarships, adaptive sailing, workforce development, community programs, and critical waterfront improvements.

Start Fundraising

You don't have to race to make a difference.

Create or join a fundraising team, rally your community, and help us reach our goal. Every dollar raised helps build confidence, break barriers, and create opportunity.

Become a Sponsor

Align your business with an inspiring event.

From event recognition to custom Legacy Fund partnerships, sponsorships showcase your commitment to community while supporting inclusive sailing.

Gift Through Stock

A gift of appreciated stock or other securities can make a lasting impact while offering potential tax advantages.

To learn more about gifting stock, please contact Sharon Lacy, Executive Director.

2026 EVENT SPONSORS

We would like to thank the following companies for joining us as sponsors for this year's Ya Gotta Regatta! Benefits included brand visibility, event recognition, and community engagement. Please note that we're happy to create custom sponsorship packages that offer even more exposure and alignment with sponsor goals.