Every year, it seems, I go into the Regatta running at full speed, emailing daily, sharing information, coordinating logistics, and working closely with my fellow Foundation members. One would think I’d have enough momentum left to send out a timely report to our friends and supporters who might be wondering how it all went.
Instead, I crash.
I’ve come to realize that the more successful the Regatta is, the longer the recovery period afterward. And 2025 was an exceptional year. So successful, in fact, that when I finally emerged from my post-Regatta haze, I was surprised to discover that it was already 2026. Happy New Year.
Reflecting on the 2025 Regatta
For our 25th anniversary Regatta, we set three clear goals:Host 25 teamsRaise at least $200,000Deliver the best possible day on the water for our participants
The first two are easy to measure—and we’re pleased to report that we achieved both. We had 25 teams (including two two-boat programs), and we raised $229,160.
As for the third goal: while more subjective, I think the verdict is clear. Judging by the smiles as crews came off the water, the energy at the post-race party (graciously sponsored by Lerch Bates), and the many “I can’t wait until next year” comments I heard throughout the evening, I’d say we succeeded there as well.
Well-Earned Kudos
First and foremost, thank you. Every donation—large or small—contributed to that remarkable total. This was a true collective effort.
Top Five Fundraising Teams:
– NK Architects
– Spark & Friends
– Daniel Frisch Architecture
– Allen + Killcoyne Architects
– Fuller and D’Angelo PC Architects
Special Recognition
Several standout donors deserve special mention:
Lerch Bates, who both sponsored a boat and the post-race party
Quinn McCabe and Architectural Windows, returning as top-tier donors
Atlantic Yachting stepped up and supplemented the fleet when we managed to register more teams than HRCS has boats!
And the remarkable 503 individual donations, a powerful demonstration of what crowdfunding can achieve
Grand Total Raised: $229,160
Simply amazing
On the Water
And yes, there was a Regatta.
Despite light and variable winds, Don Rotzien and the team from Hudson River Community Sailing expertly adapted to the conditions, managing to run three races, two of which were completed.
At day’s end:
- The J/24 Class was won by Flower / Hogg / Williams
- The J/80 Class was won by the freelance Fish and Ships team
This marked the third consecutive Regatta victory for Fish and Ships, helmed by the remarkable Jackie Belliveau—two wins in the J/24 class and now one in the J/80.
Well sailed.
J/24 Results
| Team | Boat | Race 2 | Race 3 | Total | Place |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dagher | 12 | DNS (12) | 8 | 21 | 12 |
| Cetra Ruddy | 2 | 11 | 9 | 20 | 11 |
| Freelance | 5 | 7 | 12 | 19 | 10 |
| GMS | 9 | 10 | 7 | 17 | 9 |
| NK Architects 2 | 4 | 4 | 11 | 15 | 7 |
| RAMSA | 6 | 5 | 10 | 15 | 8 |
| DLR Group | 10 | 9 | 4 | 13 | 6 |
| NK Architects 1 | 1 | 6 | 5 | 11 | 5 |
| Shuler Shook | AY3 | 2 | 10 | 4 | 4 |
| EDG | AY1 | 6 | 8 | 3 | 3 |
| HOK | 8 | 3 | 3 | 6 | 2 |
| Flower Hogg Williams | 11 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
* – Race #1 was abandoned
J/80 Results
| Team | Boat | Race 2 | Race 3 | Total | Place |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grimshaw | 4 | 13 | 11 | 24 | 14 |
| Lerch Bates | 5 | 14 | 10 | 24 | 13 |
| Spark and Friends | 13 | 8 | 14 | 22 | 12 |
| Workshop APD | 2 | 9 | 12 | 21 | 11 |
| Trinity | 12 | 12 | 9 | 21 | 10 |
| Foster & Partners 1 | 8 | 7 | 13 | 20 | 9 |
| Jacobs | 7 | 11 | 7 | 18 | 8 |
| Daniel Frisch Architects | 10 | 6 | 8 | 14 | 7 |
| Turner | 6 | 10 | 4 | 14 | 6 |
| Foster & Partners 2 | 9 | 5 | 5 | 10 | 5 |
| Draftwork LLC | 14 | 3 | 6 | 9 | 4 |
| Harmon | 3 | 4 | 3 | 7 | 3 |
| Fuller D’Angelo | 1 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 2 |
| Fish and Ships | 11 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
* – Race #1 was abandoned
Coming Up
Our grant recipients have already been in touch to share their excitement for the coming year, and I look forward to passing along some of those stories with you in the months ahead.
Thanks to the success of our fundraising, we were also able to make several new grants this year. You’ll be hearing more about The American Small Craft Association, Blue Horizons, and the sailing program at The Harbor School, along with updates from a number of familiar organizations we are proud to continue supporting.
Thank you for being part of this community.